GULAM BOBAT OF BATLEY AND LEEDS SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS ON TEENAGE GIRLS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Batley and Leeds, Gulam Bobat, a 64-year-old businessman, has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting teenage girls over a period of three years. The incidents took place in West Leeds, where Bobat, who owns a hardware store and property in the area, targeted vulnerable young girls aged between 13 and 15.

According to court proceedings, Bobat used manipulative tactics to lure these girls into his vehicle. He would offer them cannabis, cigarettes, and alcohol as a means of coercion, making them more susceptible to his advances. In some cases, he handed over cash—one victim reportedly received as much as 6,000 pounds—aimed at enticing or controlling the young girls. His actions were described as sexually motivated, with the court hearing that he engaged in inappropriate touching and kissing, primarily over their clothing, during these encounters.

The Leeds Crown Court heard that Bobat’s predatory behavior was well-known in the local area, and he became a figure of concern among residents. Prosecutor Mr. Nicholas Askins detailed how Bobat’s misconduct extended beyond simple assault, including an incident where he took one of his victims and her friends to McDonald's before giving them cannabis. He also made efforts to contact some of the girls by phone, attempting to arrange meetings.

One particularly troubling case involved a 13-year-old girl who was given cannabis by Bobat. This girl subsequently developed an addiction and suffered a nervous breakdown, highlighting the severe impact of his actions. Police investigations uncovered that Bobat was in possession of seven mobile phone SIM cards at the time of his arrest, indicating attempts to maintain contact with his victims or evade detection.

During the sentencing, Judge Peter Collier acknowledged the gravity of Bobat’s offenses. Bobat pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual assault and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The judge sentenced him to 12 months in prison and ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years. The court also received letters of support on his behalf from local MPs Greg Mulholland and Mike Wood, as well as his Imam, reflecting the complex community reactions to the case.

In mitigation, Bobat’s lawyer, Ken Green, emphasized that his client had no prior convictions and was respected in the community for his business success. Green suggested that Bobat had been in denial about his offenses and claimed that he was a lonely man in an unfulfilling marriage who sought companionship, particularly from young girls. The lawyer argued that Bobat had ample opportunity over the years to act on any predatory tendencies if he truly was a sexual predator.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Claire Craven of the North West Leeds Division expressed her relief that justice had been served. She stated, “Bobat’s behavior towards vulnerable young girls caused considerable concern in the community for a number of years, and I hope it reassures people to see him finally brought to justice.” The case has left a lasting impact on the local communities of Batley and Leeds, highlighting the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable youth from exploitation.