Abdul-Majed Saif, a 30-year-old man from Great West Road, Hounslow, has been sentence to 19 years in prison at Isleworth Crown Court.
The sentencing followed his conviction on 31 January 2025 for nine counts of rape against two 14-year-old girls. Saif, born on 13 November 1994, was also ordered to serve an additional six-and-a-half years on licence after his prison term, reflecting the severity of his crimes.
The case began on 28 April 2024, when Saif approached the two teenagers at Victoria train station in central London. He lured them with an offer of cannabis, convincing them to accompany him to his home in Osterley. There, he subjected them to horrific sexual assaults. The teenagers reported the incident to the police shortly after, providing critical details, including Saif’s address. This led to his arrest on 2 May 2024.
Initially, Saif denied the allegations and was released on bail pending further investigation. However, forensic evidence, combined with the powerful testimonies of the survivors, built an irrefutable case against him. The West Area Command Unit, led by Detective Constable Stephen Gayfer, worked diligently to secure the conviction. The trial concluded with the guilty verdict, ensuring Saif would face justice for his actions.
Detective Constable Gayfer praised the bravery of the survivors, stating, “I want to thank both survivors in this case for coming forward and helping to get a dangerous predator like Saif off the streets. The abuse he has put these children through is absolutely sickening and is something which will undoubtedly affect them for the rest of their lives.” He highlighted their courage in speaking out and assisting the investigation, noting that their actions have protected others from similar harm.
The investigation revealed Saif’s predatory nature, raising concerns that he may have targeted other victims. Gayfer urged anyone who may have been abused by Saif to contact the police, assuring them, “You will be supported and you will be listened to.” This call echoes broader efforts by law enforcement to encourage survivors of sexual violence to seek help.
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Reeves, Head of Public Protection at West Area, described Saif as “a dangerous predator.” She added, “The lengthy term of imprisonment he has been given reflects the very serious nature of the harm that he has caused to these young people. They have been incredibly courageous in coming forward.” Reeves emphasized the commitment of the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences teams to pursue offenders who exploit vulnerable children, underscoring their determination to deliver justice.
The case has sparked reactions on social media platforms like X, where users expressed outrage and relief. One post read, “19 years isn’t enough for what he did to those girls,” while another commended the police, saying, “Great work getting this monster locked up.” These sentiments reflect public demand for strong action against sexual predators.
According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, sexual offences against children have risen in recent years, with over 107,000 recorded in 2023 alone. Cases like Saif’s highlight the ongoing challenge of protecting young people from exploitation. Organizations such as NSPCC report that grooming often begins in public spaces, a pattern evident in this incident at Victoria station.
Forensic evidence played a pivotal role in securing Saif’s conviction, a method increasingly vital in rape cases. A 2022 study published in Nature found that DNA evidence boosts conviction rates by up to 30% in sexual assault trials. Coupled with survivor testimonies, this approach strengthens prosecutions, as seen here.
The Metropolitan Police have bolstered efforts to combat child sexual exploitation, with specialized units providing support to survivors. Both teenagers in this case received assistance from specially trained officers throughout the process, ensuring their voices were heard. Resources like Rape Crisis England & Wales offer further support, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care.
While the 19-year sentence delivers justice, it also raises questions about prevention. Experts from Search Engine Journal note that public awareness campaigns can reduce vulnerability to grooming, yet funding remains a challenge. Balancing punishment with proactive measures is key to addressing this issue.
More from: Hounslow