Fugitive Barber Snared: Sussex Cops Finally Nab Sarbaz Najmadeen Ali
Sussex Police never gave up chasing Sarbaz Najmadeen Ali, the 36-year-old ex-barber who went on the run after being convicted in his absence. Ali, once from Stockleigh Road, vanished before facing the music in court.
Hunt for Dangerous Offender
A judge issued a warrant for Ali’s arrest after he skipped out. Despite appeals to track him down, Ali stayed on the loose for some time.
Captured and Extradited
Ali was eventually arrested and handed over to police. But before Sussex could bring him in, he was extradited to France for crimes there. There, he was convicted of a sexual assault and sentenced to one year behind bars.
Back in the UK – Locked Up for Good
Ali was sent back to the UK and faced Lewes Crown Court on 5 April 2023. He was handed a total seven-year jail term, plus three more years on an extended licence. A lifelong Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also slapped on him, banning contact with children under 16.
Investigator Julian Stokes said: “Admiration has to be given to the courageous victim, who gave evidence at the trial in 2014 and who has had to wait for more than eight years for justice to be served following Ali’s sentencing.
“This demonstrates that Sussex Police will go to extraordinary lengths to bring dangerous offenders such as Ali, back to the UK to face justice.”
