INTIKHAB ALAM'S BRUTAL CRIMES IN OLDHAM AND MANCHESTER SHOCK COMMUNITY

In a disturbing series of criminal acts that have left the community in Oldham and Manchester reeling, 33-year-old Intikhab Alam has been convicted of multiple serious offenses, including the heinous rape of a young girl and a string of robberies targeting vulnerable pensioners.

Alam's criminal history is marked by violence and predatory behavior. He was initially sentenced to nine years in prison in February 1999 after being found guilty of robbing prostitutes at knifepoint or with a firearm, a crime that demonstrated his willingness to threaten and harm others for financial gain. After serving part of his sentence, Alam was released on parole in September 2003, but his freedom was short-lived and marred by further violent acts.

Just four months following his release, Alam encountered a 14-year-old girl in the heart of Manchester who had run away from her home. Exploiting her vulnerability, he befriended her and subsequently took her to a flat where he committed a brutal rape. This heinous act occurred shortly after their initial meeting, highlighting his predatory nature and disregard for the safety of minors.

Adding to his list of offenses, Alam's criminal activities extended beyond sexual violence. Within days of the rape, he targeted elderly victims in the nearby towns of Failsworth and Ashton. In Failsworth, he approached an 68-year-old woman, pushed her to the ground, and stole her handbag, demonstrating a blatant disregard for personal safety and property. Less than a week later, in Ashton, he assaulted another pensioner, hitting her repeatedly before stealing her belongings.

Alam's actions did not go unpunished. During his trial at Manchester Crown Court, he denied the charges of rape and robbery, but the evidence presented was compelling enough to secure convictions. The court sentenced him to a total of 13 years in prison. However, Judge Antony Hammond clarified that Alam's sentence would not commence until he had served 745 days of his previous sentence, which was still outstanding at the time of sentencing.

In his remarks, Judge Hammond expressed grave concerns about Alam's dangerousness, stating, “In my view, you are a danger to women. If you are convicted of any other offence of a violent or sexual nature then you are likely to be in prison for the rest of your life.” The judge’s comments underscore the serious threat Alam poses to the community and the potential for further harm if he were to reoffend.

Nick Clarke, the prosecutor, highlighted Alam’s criminal record, emphasizing that his previous nine-year sentence was handed down for robbing prostitutes with threats of violence. The recent convictions and the severity of his crimes have cast a long shadow over his time in Oldham and the surrounding areas, raising ongoing concerns about public safety and the need for vigilant law enforcement to prevent further tragedies.