A Pakistani national whose asylum claim was rejected has been imprisoned for 15 years after a jury convicted him of repeatedly raping an eight-year-old girl whilst threatening that disclosure would result in her father killing her.
Kamran Khan, 44, was found guilty of two rape charges, four counts of sexually assaulting a child, two counts of causing a child to watch sexual acts, and two counts of causing a child under thirteen to engage in sexual activity following offences committed between September 2024 and July 2025.
Judge Freya Newbery told Khan during sentencing: “You thought she would never tell because of the threats you made to her. You thought that she could not be believed because she was so young, and what she described was so terrible. But everything she said and described and illustrated was true.”
The judge confirmed Khan would eventually face deportation to Pakistan, where he claimed to have fled persecution by Islamic groups for “un-Muslim activities”—assertions prosecutors described as part of a pattern of deception from a “revolting and predatory paedophile.”
The abuse came to light after a family member witnessed an interaction between Khan and the child that prompted concern. Despite Khan’s death threats warning the girl her father would murder her if she spoke out, she courageously disclosed the sexual violence she had endured.
The youngster revealed abuse occurring within multiple locations including her own bedroom, elsewhere in her home, and on a park bench. Her mother had noticed behavioural changes in preceding months, with the child becoming increasingly withdrawn and distant.
Khan arrived in the United Kingdom in December 2024 having previously visited the country. Prosecutor Oliver Kelham told the court: “The victim began to explain what had happened to her mother and father. Her mother noted that in the past months her behaviour had changed and become more quiet and distant.”
The defendant forced the traumatised child to endure cross-examination after pleading not guilty and claiming she had fabricated the allegations entirely.
Metropolitan Police investigators secured crucial corroborating evidence through forensic examination of Khan’s mobile phone, which contained pornographic material matching the victim’s disclosure that he had compelled her to watch explicit videos. DNA samples collected from both Khan and the child proved sexual contact had occurred.
Referring to the girl’s video-recorded interview, Mr Kelham stated: “She stated that he had touched her privacy with his fingers and with his privacy. That is the word she used to describe genitalia. She stated that he said that if you tell anyone, you will die.”
Detective Constable Franky Green from the Met’s Child Abuse Investigation Team praised the family’s courage, stating: “Khan preyed on a defenceless child and took advantage of formed connections, which he used as a smokescreen for his abusive crimes. The immeasurable bravery of the victim and their family is tremendously appreciated.”
DC Green emphasized the specialist approach ensuring “children and families are heard, protected and empowered throughout the investigative process.”
