HASSAN ASHFAQ FROM BLACKBURN CAUGHT IN POLICE STING TRYING TO MEET 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOR SEX
In August 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Hassan Ashfaq, a 20-year-old man from Blackburn, who was caught in a police operation attempting to groom and meet a girl he believed was only 12 years old for sexual activity.The incident highlighted the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect minors.
Preston Crown Court heard that Ashfaq, who was described as a 'loner' during the proceedings, engaged in a series of manipulative and predatory behaviors over social media platforms.
He initially made contact with the girl in April, using the alias 'Emily Clarke' on the messaging app Kik.
Their conversations escalated over time, and by June 1, the interaction had shifted to a live chat via Skype.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Jeremy Grout-Smith detailed the disturbing exchanges.
Ashfaq, from Carlton Gardens in Blackburn, was found to have sent the girl a video of himself performing a sexual act and encouraged her to do the same.
The girl, who was unable to comply due to the nature of the conversation, was talking to an undercover police officer at the time.
The court was told that Ashfaq's communication was predatory and calculated.
On June 2, after the girl disclosed her age, Ashfaq responded with a simple 'wow' and asked to see her picture.
The police provided him with a pre-recorded video that appeared to be the girl in question.
The court heard that on June 7, Ashfaq encouraged the girl to perform a sexual act on Skype, but she made an excuse to avoid doing so.
He then requested a photograph of her.
Plans to meet the girl in person were made, with Ashfaq arranging to meet her at Blackburn Cinema.
Despite a brief period where the girl stopped replying, their conversation resumed on June 21.
The following day, Ashfaq arranged to meet her in Corporation Park.
Police monitored his movements as he entered the park at 10:15 am and left 15 minutes later.
Although he later claimed to police that he had changed his mind about meeting Emily, he sent her a message saying, “Where are you?
I waited until 10.45 am.” Later that day, police attended Ashfaq’s residence when he refused to cooperate and refused to hand over his mobile phone.
The police arrested him, and he was charged with multiple offenses related to attempting to meet a minor for sexual activity and inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual acts.
In court, Ashfaq pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a girl under 16 for sexual activity, two counts of attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and one count of attempting to cause or incite a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Judge Heather Lloyd sentenced him to two years in prison, suspended for two years, emphasizing that Ashfaq was fortunate not to face immediate custody.
Additionally, he was issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for a period of 10 years, marking a significant step in safeguarding potential victims from future harm.
