Shafiq Rahman, 48, of Slough, has been jailed for 16 months after launching an antisemitic attack on a Jewish man wearing a traditional kippah head covering. The incident occurred on Monday, April 20, when Rahman, cycling past Elliman Avenue, spotted the victim working on a property and began shouting antisemitic abuse.
Details of the Attack
Rahman approached the victim, made threats, and attempted to snatch his phone. Two members of the public tried to intervene but were verbally abused themselves. Police were called, and an investigation was launched after footage of the incident was widely shared on social media, causing public outrage.
Investigation and Conviction
Several members of the public provided information to police after a clip of the incident was uploaded online, alongside a police appeal. The tip-offs led to Rahman's identification and arrest on Thursday, April 23. He was charged the next day and pleaded guilty to one count of racially/religiously aggravated common assault, one count of racially/religiously aggravated fear/provocation of violence by words, and one count of criminal damage.
Separate Dog Attack Sentencing
In a separate incident in June 2025, Rahman was charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury after his dog caused serious injuries to a man in Thatcham. On Friday, July 10, at Reading Crown Court, Rahman was sentenced to 16 months in prison, covering both the hate crime and the dog attack.
Police and Community Response
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bosley, Commander for Berkshire East, said: “This was a shocking and targeted antisemitic attack on a man simply going about his work. Everyone should feel safe to go about their lives without fear of harassment or abuse, and I sincerely hope that this case emphasises how seriously Thames Valley Police take antisemitic hate crime.”
Detective Inspector Terry Dixon of Berkshire East’s Priority Crime Team noted: “Rahman was deliberately obstructive when interviewed by police, but had no choice but to plead guilty in court due to the weight of evidence against him.”
A spokesperson for Shomrim, a non-profit organisation that works with police to protect Jewish communities, added: “This was a deeply disturbing antisemitic attack on a member of the Jewish community who was simply going about his daily work. We welcome the swift and professional response from Thames Valley Police, which demonstrates that hate crime will not be tolerated and that offenders will be brought to justice.”
