Fugitive Rapist Sarbaz Ali Finally Locked Up After 9 Years on the Run
Sussex Police refused to quit the chase for Sarbaz Najmadeen Ali, 36, who fled mid-trial nine years ago. Now, the runaway has been dragged back to the UK and slammed with a hefty prison sentence.
From Court Escape to International Manhunt
Ali, once a barber in St Leonards, was found guilty of a string of vile sex crimes against a 33-year-old man in Hastings in 2013. During his 2014 trial, he was granted bail to leave the dock briefly but shockingly bolted halfway through the judge’s summing up and vanished.
The judge quickly issued a warrant, and Sussex Police launched an urgent appeal to find him. Ali even made it onto BBC Crimewatch’s Most Wanted list.
Caught Abroad After Years on the Lam
German cops got the breakthrough. While Ali was held in custody in Regensburg for suspected offences, an officer spotted his Crimewatch photo and tipped off Sussex Police. But before they could act, Ali was extradited to France for other sexual offences.
In France, Ali was convicted of sexual assault and served a one-year prison sentence. Sussex Police patiently waited for him to finish his stretch before jumping on their European Arrest Warrant.
Back in the UK – Finally Facing Justice
Once back on British soil, Ali appeared at Lewes Crown Court on 5 April 2023. He was handed a total of seven years behind bars, plus three more on extended licence. On top of that, Ali was slapped with a lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order restricting his contact with anyone under 16, reflecting his danger to youngsters.
“Admiration has to be given to the courageous victim, who gave evidence back in 2014 and has endured a long wait for justice,” said Investigator Julian Stokes.
“This case shows Sussex Police will go to extraordinary lengths to bring dangerous offenders like Ali to justice.”
