Man jailed for grooming and sexually assaulting girls

Arshad Mohammed

A man has been jailed for grooming and sexually assaulting three girls.

Arshad Mohammed (22/12/1969) of Merefield Street, Rochdale pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was jailed today, Tuesday 1 April 2014, for 4 years 8 months at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Between May and November 2012, Mohammed became friends with two of the victims when they were 14 and 15 by developing a network of acquaintances around them that were of a similar age.

Up until June 2013, he contacted them through texts and social media to meet him. He bought gifts for them, including money, cigarettes and alcohol before taking them to a flat in Rochdale where they were sexually assaulted.

In October 2013, Mohammed contacted a 14-year-old girl who was friends with the first two victims and regularly met her.

Again, he bought her gifts and sexually assaulted her.

After the incidents were reported, Mohammed was arrested and charged. He was also charged with perverting the course of justice.

Detective Constable Laura Crossley said: “Mohammed used money and gifts to pull the wool over the girl’s eyes to gratify his own sexual needs. However, thanks to their bravery by coming forward, he was identified and brought to justice.

“This investigation was carried out by the Sunrise team, a partnership between GMP and Rochdale Council, that aims to reduce the number of vulnerable children being sexually exploited and prosecuting offenders.

“If anyone believes they may know someone who is being or abused or if you are a victim yourself, I would urge you to contact police as soon as possible.”