Kashif Mahmood, a 37-year-old migrant, was recently jailed for attempting to meet what he believed was a 13-year-old girl, following a police sting operation. Mahmood, who moved to the UK in 2010, was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison at Minshull Crown Court after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offenses, including attempted sexual communication with a child and arranging to meet a child following grooming
Key Details of the Case:
- Online Grooming: Mahmood engaged in sexual conversations with a decoy account on Snapchat, believing it was a 13-year-old girl. He lied about his age, claiming to be 25, and expressed desires to “kiss and cuddle” before suggesting more explicit activities
Arrest at Manchester Piccadilly Station: Mahmood arranged to meet the “girl” at Manchester Piccadilly station and even booked a train ticket for her. Police found him in his locked car, attempting to delete evidence from his phone. Officers had to smash the car window to arrest him and seized two condoms from his pocket, which demonstrated his intent
Court Proceedings: During the trial, Mahmood claimed his actions were a “silly mistake” and cited depression and dyslexia as mitigating factors. However, Judge Jason MacAdam dismissed these claims, stating that Mahmood had groomed the child and showed no genuine remorse. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offense, particularly given the condoms found on Mahmood, which indicated clear intent
Sentencing and Orders: In addition to his prison sentence, Mahmood was given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life
Police Response: Detective Constable Adam Cronshaw of the NWROCU highlighted the importance of safeguarding children from online predators. He warned that offenders like Mahmood often believe they can hide behind screens, but law enforcement is committed to bringing them to justice
This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and the severe consequences for those who attempt to harm children. If you or someone you know is affected by similar issues, organizations like the NSPCC and Childline offer support and resources
