SENTENCING STATEMENTS

A judge may decide to publish a statement after passing sentence on an offender in cases where there is particular public interest; where a case has legal significance; or where providing the reasons for the decision might assist public understanding.

Please note that statements may include graphic details of offences when it is necessary to fully explain the reasons behind a sentencing decision.

Once charges are spent, any statement in relation to them is removed and cannot be provided or acknowledged. Statements published before the launch of the website may be available on request. Please email judicialcomms@scotcourts.gov.uk.

The independence of the judiciary is essential to safeguard people’s rights under law - enabling judges to make decisions impartially based solely on evidence and law, without interference or influence from the government or politicians.

When deciding a sentence, a judge must deal with the offence that the offender has been convicted of, taking into account the unique circumstances of each particular case. The judge will carefully consider the facts that are presented to the Court by both the prosecution and by the defence.

For more information about how judges decide sentences; what sentences are available; and matters such as temporary release, see the independent Scottish Sentencing Council website .

Read more about victims of crime and sentencing.

HMA v Sadeq Nikzad

Jun 18, 2025

At the High Court in Livingston, Judge John Morris KC sentenced Sadeq Nikzad to an extended sentence after the offender was convicted of raping a 15-year-old. The custodial term was set at 9 years, while the extension period - served under supervision in the community - was set at 3 years.

On sentencing, Judge Morris said:

"Mr Nikzad whilst I appreciate that you do not accept you have done anything wrong the fact remains that you have been convicted of an extremely serious sexual offence against a child.

In the circumstances only a substantial custodial sentence is appropriate in your case.

Also, I must ensure that the public is adequately protected against serious harm from you when you are eventually released from prison.

For those reasons I am going to pass on you what is called an extended sentence.

Such sentence has two parts:-

First – there will be a custodial part during which time you will be detained in prison – that period in custody will run from the date at which you were originally remanded in custody for this matter – namely 18 October 2023.

Second – after you are released from that custodial period you will be on license under conditions fixed by the Secretary of State.

If you fail to comply with those conditions or if you commit a further offence you will be returned to prison.

In your case the extended sentence will be 12 years, 9 years of which will be custodial and 3 years on license. Further, your name will be placed on the Sexual Offenders Register indefinitely."