BLACKBURN RAPIST TOLD VICTIM TO SAY SHE WAS 16 IF ASKED
A rapist paid his 12-year-old victim after engaging in sexual activity with her in the back of his car in Blackburn.Aqueel Hussain, 33, knew the girl's real age but told her to say she was 16 if asked.
The sex offender told her he was 19.
The pair met after conversations on Snapchat, and after the incident, he paid her £135 and bought her a phone charger.
Hussain was convicted of this offence following a trial, having maintained his innocence throughout.
He pleaded guilty in April, changing from an original not guilty plea.
Hussain, of Irene Place, was sentenced to 16 years, comprising 15 years in prison and a one-year extended licence, and must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term.
A sexual harm prevention order was imposed for 25 years, and he will be subject to sex offender notification requirements for life.
The judge emphasized the severe impact on the victim and her family, highlighting that 'She was 12 when she agreed to meet you.
She was 12 when she met you.
She was 12 when you had sex with her.' The law states that children under 13 cannot consent to sex, and such acts are considered rape.
The court also noted other incidents involving Hussain and teenage girls, including conversations with a 14-year-old girl in January 2024, where he falsely claimed to be 19 and offered money and vapes for meetings.
Hussain described inappropriate behaviour and received money from the girls afterward.
He returned to court on October 15 for sentencing and was given a 16-year sentence, plus a lifetime sex offender notification requirement.
