A man has been jailed for nine years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the rape of a teenage girl in Scotland. Sadeq Nikzad, 29, was sentenced at the High Court in Livingston on Wednesday after being found guilty following a trial that concluded in March. He assaulted the girl, 15, in Falkirk town centre on October 16, 2023.

He attempted to strike up a conversation with the teenager and repeatedly pestered her for her phone number. Nikzad also made sexual comments, before leading her into a courtyard and raping her, prosecutors said. He was given a 12-year extended sentence comprising nine years in custody and three years of supervision upon release.

Nikzad was also added to the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and given an indefinite non-harassment order, banning contact with the teenager.

Detective Inspector Forbes Wilson, from the Forth Valley Public Protection Unit, said: “This was a particularly harrowing attack which was carried out during daylight in a busy town centre.

“Nikzad’s heinous actions had a profound effect on his young victim and I would like to commend her strength throughout this ordeal.

“I would also like to thank local officers for their excellent work which ensured Nikzad was identified, arrested and off the street within a few short hours following the incident.

“Police Scotland remains committed to tackling sexual crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim of such crimes to come forward and report it to us.

“We’ll thoroughly investigate and have specially trained officers and partner agencies to support you throughout.”

Chief Inspector Alexander Hatrick, Area Commander for Falkirk, said: “We understand that crimes of this nature have a serious impact on the local community. We will continue to work closely with partners to address any such concerns in the area.”