Hawaiz Rashid Jailed for Raping Underage Girl in Ashton-Under-Lyne and Oldham
| Red Rose Database
Oldham Ashton-under-Lyne Rapist
In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Ashton-under-Lyne and Oldham, Hawaiz Rashid, also known as Waqas, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of raping an underage girl on two separate occasions. The crimes took place over a span of several years, with Rashid working at the Ashton Balti House in Ashton-under-Lyne during the period when the offenses occurred.
The victim, a girl who cannot be named for legal reasons, was only 13 or 14 years old at the time of the assaults. The trial at Minshull Street Crown Court revealed that Rashid, then a takeaway worker, had established a seemingly friendly relationship with the girl when she visited the restaurant with her friends. Over time, their casual conversations grew more personal, and Rashid managed to obtain her phone number. What initially appeared to be innocent exchanges gradually took a darker turn, as the girl described the conversations as becoming ‘weird’ and uncomfortable.
According to her testimony, Rashid then asked her to meet him outside of work and suggested they go to a hotel. She admitted feeling flattered by the attention from an older man but did not anticipate that anything sexual would occur. When she arrived at the hotel, Rashid instructed her to keep her head down and walk quickly, which raised her suspicions. Once inside the room, Rashid helped her undress and then assaulted her, raping her despite her protests and repeated refusals. The girl recounted feeling overwhelmed and frightened, but Rashid continued his assault.
Weeks later, the girl was at her home when Rashid, then aged 41 and residing on Eric Street in Oldham, contacted her. He told her he could come over after his shift, and despite her attempts to make excuses, he arrived between 1 am and 1:30 am. Rashid took her to the bathroom where he raped her again, this time for a second time. The girl confided in friends and eventually reported the incidents to the police in May 2018.
Following her report, Rashid was arrested. During police questioning, he admitted knowing the girl but denied that the assaults had taken place. His defense was ultimately unsuccessful, as a jury at Bolton Crown Court unanimously found him guilty of two counts of rape. The case was then sent for sentencing.
In a poignant statement read to the court by prosecution barrister Paul Treble, the victim described the profound impact the crimes had on her. She revealed that she suffers from regular nightmares about Rashid, stating that he ‘took her innocence’ and that the experience has left her feeling anxious, depressed, and scared. She expressed hope that her nightmares would someday subside and that Rashid would come to terms with his actions. The victim also shared her emotional struggles, explaining that she can go months without thinking about the incidents, only to be overwhelmed by tears and memories that she keeps hidden from her children, who are her source of strength.
As part of his sentence, Rashid was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life. Additionally, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his contact and activities, aiming to protect others from potential harm. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for victims of such heinous crimes.
The victim, a girl who cannot be named for legal reasons, was only 13 or 14 years old at the time of the assaults. The trial at Minshull Street Crown Court revealed that Rashid, then a takeaway worker, had established a seemingly friendly relationship with the girl when she visited the restaurant with her friends. Over time, their casual conversations grew more personal, and Rashid managed to obtain her phone number. What initially appeared to be innocent exchanges gradually took a darker turn, as the girl described the conversations as becoming ‘weird’ and uncomfortable.
According to her testimony, Rashid then asked her to meet him outside of work and suggested they go to a hotel. She admitted feeling flattered by the attention from an older man but did not anticipate that anything sexual would occur. When she arrived at the hotel, Rashid instructed her to keep her head down and walk quickly, which raised her suspicions. Once inside the room, Rashid helped her undress and then assaulted her, raping her despite her protests and repeated refusals. The girl recounted feeling overwhelmed and frightened, but Rashid continued his assault.
Weeks later, the girl was at her home when Rashid, then aged 41 and residing on Eric Street in Oldham, contacted her. He told her he could come over after his shift, and despite her attempts to make excuses, he arrived between 1 am and 1:30 am. Rashid took her to the bathroom where he raped her again, this time for a second time. The girl confided in friends and eventually reported the incidents to the police in May 2018.
Following her report, Rashid was arrested. During police questioning, he admitted knowing the girl but denied that the assaults had taken place. His defense was ultimately unsuccessful, as a jury at Bolton Crown Court unanimously found him guilty of two counts of rape. The case was then sent for sentencing.
In a poignant statement read to the court by prosecution barrister Paul Treble, the victim described the profound impact the crimes had on her. She revealed that she suffers from regular nightmares about Rashid, stating that he ‘took her innocence’ and that the experience has left her feeling anxious, depressed, and scared. She expressed hope that her nightmares would someday subside and that Rashid would come to terms with his actions. The victim also shared her emotional struggles, explaining that she can go months without thinking about the incidents, only to be overwhelmed by tears and memories that she keeps hidden from her children, who are her source of strength.
As part of his sentence, Rashid was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life. Additionally, a 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his contact and activities, aiming to protect others from potential harm. The case has left a lasting scar on the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance and support for victims of such heinous crimes.