Sex was initiated by girl, trial told

A married man accused of being part of a plot to groom under-age girls for sex admitted he had a relationship with one a month after the birth of his first child.

Adil Khan (42), of Oswald Street, Rochdale, told Liverpool Crown Court the girl had told him she was 18.

He said he started a sexual relationship with her in September 2008, but insisted the girl, one of five who have given evidence at the trial, had initiated the relationship.

Explaining how the relationship became sexual, Khan said: “She said she wanted to get close to me. I said I have certain conditions and after that we can.”

Khan said the relationship ended at the end of 2008, adding: “After our relationship was ended she telephoned me that she wanted to see me. I said our relationship has come to an end. She told me she was pregnant. I said we couldn’t get together again.”
Khan denies conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a child and trafficking within the UK for sexual exploitation.

Ten other co-defendants, from Rochdale and Oldham, also deny conspiracy and other sex charges at Liverpool Crown Court.

Earlier there was drama as one of the defendants collapsed giving evidence. Former taxi-driver Abdul Rauf (43), from Rochdale, appeared to faint under cross-examination

Two dock officers gave the married father of five a glass of water. The jury was sent out while paramedics were called to attend to him. Rauf was sent to hospital as a precaution.

The fifth defendant, Mohammed Sajid (35), from Rochdale, was then called to give evidence and admitted having sex with one of five girls but insisted she was 16 or over at the time. He accused her of lying about having sex on numerous occasions when she was younger than 16.

The case continues.