APU RAIHAN FROM NEWCASTLE CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN PAEDOPHILE PLOT
In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing efforts to combat online child exploitation, Apu Raihan, a 29-year-old man originally from Bangladesh and residing in Newcastle, found himself at the center of a serious criminal investigation.The incident unfolded when Raihan was targeted by paedophile hunters from the group Guardians of the North, who set up an undercover operation to catch adults seeking illegal contact with minors.
According to court proceedings, Raihan believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl online, engaging in explicit conversations and discussing plans to meet in person.
The group’s decoy, posing as the young girl, maintained contact with Raihan for over a day, during which he repeatedly emphasized his desire to meet her and even discussed bringing condoms, indicating his intent for sexual activity.
Prosecutor David Crook outlined the case at Newcastle Crown Court, explaining that Raihan had organized to meet the girl after just over 24 hours of online communication.
Mr Crook stated, “She repeatedly reminded him she was 13.
There was discussion about sex and plans to meet.” When questioned by authorities, Raihan chose to make no comment during his initial interview but later pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following grooming behavior.
His guilty plea was entered at the earliest opportunity, reflecting acknowledgment of his actions.
Raihan, who resides on Condercum Road in Newcastle, faced sentencing from Recorder Benjamin Nolan QC.
The judge described the offense as a serious attempt at child sexual grooming and emphasized the gravity of the crime.
“Apu Raihan, you pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming,” the judge said.
“This is only an attempt, so the custodial sentence I will impose is one year or 12 months.” Although Raihan has no previous convictions, the judge made it clear that his immigration status was at risk.
“I am prepared to suspend that [sentence] of 12 months, not that that has any practical value to you,” Recorder Nolan added.
“Your immigration status is in jeopardy, and it is likely you will be deported back to Bangladesh.” Consequently, Raihan was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 12 months.
Additionally, he was ordered to adhere to a sexual prevention order for five years and to sign the sex offenders register for a decade.
The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which such offenses are treated and the importance of protecting minors from online predators.
Commenting on the case, a spokesman for Guardians of the North expressed their perspective, stating, “He wanted sex and wanted to bring condoms.
He knew he had ruined his life, he was devastated.
It is one less problem we have to deal with in this country.
Suspended sentences just send the message that it’s okay.
What’s the point being suspended?
It is no deterrent whatsoever.”
