Security guard jailed after raping woman who asked for help in Manchester

Sunday, 9 November 2025 17:33

By David Murphy

A woman who asked a security guard for directions ended up being raped inside his security booth, now he’s been jailed for over seven years.

A Manchester security guard has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for raping and sexually assaulting a woman who asked him for help.

Shazad Mughal, 47, of Tansley Road in Crumpsall, was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration. He was sentenced on Friday 7 November 2025 at Manchester Crown Court.

The attack took place in the early hours of 10 August 2022 after the victim's tram terminated earlier than expected. Mughal, who was on duty as a security guard, was approached by the woman asking for directions to the city centre.

After allowing her to use the toilet in his security booth, Mughal attacked her.

The woman managed to escape and hide nearby while calling 999. Police officers located her soon afterwards.

Detective Constable Luke Miller from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crime Division praised the victim’s bravery in supporting the investigation.

“Mughal abused his position of authority to sexually assault a woman who had asked him for help,” he said. “He claimed that the victim was making advances on him, a completely false claim that was rightly dismissed in court.”

He added: “I commend the victim for her strength and courage. Thanks to her, justice has now been served.”

The court heard how Mughal’s claims were entirely unfounded and contradicted by evidence gathered during the police investigation.

Greater Manchester Police is urging anyone affected by rape or sexual assault to come forward. Officers stressed that all allegations are taken seriously, victims will be treated with dignity and respect, and support is available.