09/03/2026
“The women in this case trusted us to investigate and as a result have ensured this man cannot do this again”.
That’s from the officer who led the case against a man who has been convicted of sexual assault.
A jury at Chelmsford Crown Court took just two hours to unanimously convict Muhammad Shahzad of sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault by touching on 3 March.
The 32 year-old, of Shortcroft Road, Dagenham, had sexually assaulted two women on 13 February last year as he posed as someone offering to train them as masseuses.
The offences were reported to us on the same day.
Officers then worked to identify and locate Shahzad and he was arrested two days later.
He denied the offences in interview but our officers compiled a case so compelling a jury took just two hours to decide he was guilty.
He is due to be sentenced at the same court on 21 May.
Detective Constable Matthew Clarke, who led the investigation, said:
“This is a fantastic result for the two complainants, who had the confidence and strength to come forward to ensure someone else isn’t put in the same position again.
“We are committed to keeping women and girls safe and investigate and put before the courts those who pose a danger.
“Muhammad Shahzad now faces tie behind bars and Essex will be a safer place as a result.”