A 32-year-old Sudanese national stands trial at Birmingham Crown Court accused of snatching a five-year-old girl from behind her mother’s back before sexually assaulting her in his Winson Green home, jurors have heard.
Mohammed Abdulraziq faces charges of false imprisonment, false imprisonment with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault and assault following the incident on 30 March in Birmingham. The defendant, who resides on Eva Road, denies all charges against him.
Prosecutor Tariq Shakoor told the court that Abdulraziq had approached the victim’s mother earlier that day whilst barefoot, making what was described as a “sly” comment with a “sexual connotation”. The mother did not understand the remark as it was spoken in another language, and Abdulraziq returned to his house nearby.
Dramatic Rescue by Neighbours
The court heard how the young girl was playing on the street whilst her mother was engaged in conversation with a friend. When the mother turned around, she could no longer see her daughter. Moments later, the sound of a child crying could be heard coming from inside Abdulraziq’s property.
“The defendant is plainly in that room with the child at this time and her mother, in panic, picks up a piece of wood to try and smash the window,” Mr Shakoor told jurors at Birmingham Crown Court on 9 September.
The prosecutor detailed the harrowing scene witnessed through the window. “She sees her child with the defendant. The defendant was next to a bed, [the girl] was opposite him,” Mr Shakoor said. Both the child and Abdulraziq were allegedly found with their lower clothing around their ankles.
Community Intervention Saves Child
What followed was a dramatic rescue effort by local residents who risked their own safety to save the child. When a neighbour attempted to climb through the window to reach the girl, Abdulraziq allegedly punched him. Despite this violent resistance, two men from the community successfully forced their way into the property and rescued the five-year-old.
The child was immediately reunited with her distraught mother, repeatedly telling her “he hurt me”, according to evidence presented to the court. West Midlands Police officers arrived “very quickly” following calls from the community and arrested Abdulraziq at the scene.
During his arrest and subsequent questioning, Abdulraziq remained uncooperative, responding “no comment” to all police questions through an interpreter. He was formally charged on 1 April and remanded in custody.
Pattern of Alleged Violence
The trial has revealed that Abdulraziq faces additional charges from an unrelated incident in February. These include assault, attempted assault and criminal damage, suggesting what prosecutors describe as a pattern of violent conduct. Court records indicate he was charged on 30 April with assaulting two people in Birmingham city centre, a case that remains pending.
The prosecution emphasised these prior allegations, arguing they demonstrate a troubling history of aggressive behaviour. The combination of charges has raised serious questions about community safety measures in the Winson Green area.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed the charges, stating: “We’ve charged a man in connection with the abduction of a child in Winson Green. The 32-year-old from Birmingham has now been charged with kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault and assault on someone else.”
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked widespread concern amongst Birmingham residents, particularly in the diverse Winson Green neighbourhood, which has a significant multi-racial population including large Afro-Caribbean and Asian communities. Local residents have expressed frustration over what they perceive as recurring safety issues in the area.
Superintendent Emlyn Richards from Birmingham police addressed community concerns following the incident. “Currently we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident,” he said. “However, we are keen to hear from anybody that may have witnessed this incident or who has information.”
Extra police officers were deployed to the Winson Green area immediately following the incident to provide reassurance to concerned residents. The force urged anyone with concerns to speak directly with officers patrolling the neighbourhood.
The trial has drawn significant public attention, with many praising the brave intervention of neighbours who acted swiftly to rescue the child. Their quick thinking and collective action have been credited with preventing a potentially more tragic outcome.
Specialist Support for Victim
The young victim and her family are receiving support from specialist officers trained in dealing with cases involving child victims of sexual offences. Child protection services have been working closely with the family to ensure appropriate care and counselling are provided throughout the legal proceedings.
When Abdulraziq appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 1 April, he was also charged with possession of cannabis in connection with the incident. He was remanded in custody to appear before Birmingham Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 15 April, where he entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
Trial Continues
As the trial progresses at Birmingham Crown Court, the prosecution continues to present evidence detailing what they describe as a premeditated attempt to sexually exploit a child. The case has highlighted ongoing debates about child safety measures in urban areas and the importance of community vigilance.
The court’s decision, expected in late 2025, could set important precedents for handling cases involving repeat offenders and child safety protocols in Birmingham. The trial continues with the defendant maintaining his innocence on all charges.
The case underscores the critical role that community members can play in protecting vulnerable children and the importance of immediate intervention when a child appears to be in danger. Local initiatives funded by £10 million in community grants are working to strengthen neighbourhood watch programmes, though residents argue more comprehensive safety measures are needed.
As Birmingham awaits the outcome of this disturbing case, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and robust legal consequences for those who prey on society’s most vulnerable members.
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