Fugitive jailed for sex attack on girl, 14, in Brighton

A sex atacker who went on the run has been jailed for assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Brighton.

Sayed Noor, 30, of no fixed address, was sent to prison for six months for the sex attack which took place in Surrenden Road five years ago.

The victim spoke of her relief that her attacker had been jailed.

She said: “I’m glad it’s all over and done with and thankful for the police and the help I’ve had.

“It was horrible at the time. I didn’t go out much and it was hard to trust people because of what happened.

“I’m definitely pleased that I went to the police at the time. I know other people might not have the confidence to do that but it was the right decision.”

Noor sexually was arrested the day after he assaulted his young victim after she spotted him walking in the city.

But he failed to turn up for court and was consequently tried and sentenced in his absence in February 2008.

He came to the attention of police in Brighton on Thursday 29 September and was remanded in custody to be sentenced for the sexual assault.

He was jailed at a hearing at Brighton Crown Court on Monday 31 October.

Detective Constable Sapna Patel, of Sussex Police, said: “This sends a very clear message to offenders.

“Time may have passed but that doesn’t mean you’ve escaped justice.

“We are determined to make sure you’re held accountable for what you have done and you will face the consequences.

“The victim has shown great strength of character throughout this investigation and trial and it was great to finally be able to tell the victim and her family that the man who attacked her is off the streets.”

The victim’s 48-year-old mother said: “We are just so relieved it is all over and that justice had been done.

“We were shocked after all this time he’d been found.

“After it happened it was scary for my daughter to go out.

“She was frightened that he would turn up again.

“It was very difficult as a mother and I would worry far more than usual.

“I would like to thank the police for all the help we’ve had throughout it all. I’d particularly like to thank DC Patel, as she has been particularly supportive.”