JAKIR AHMED OF NEWPORT SENT TO PRISON FOR CHILD ABDUCTION AND GROOMING IN THE CITY CENTRE
In December 2018, a disturbing case unfolded in Newport involving Jakir Ahmed, a man with a troubling history of sexual offenses against minors.The incident began when Ahmed, who was already under a sexual harm prevention order, targeted a 13-year-old girl he encountered walking through Newport city centre during the early hours of November 4.
This was not an isolated event; Ahmed had previously served a prison sentence of 40 months in 2016, which was later reduced to 30 months on appeal, for grooming a schoolgirl via Facebook by sending her sexual messages.
His prior conviction involved six counts of causing or inciting a child under 16 into sexual activity, and he was also subject to a sexual harm prevention order that prohibited him from having contact with underage girls.
On this latest occasion, the court heard how Ahmed quickly moved to establish a relationship with the young girl.
Prosecutor Timothy Evans described how Ahmed befriended her, telling her that he loved her and attempting to keep her near his home until his parents left, so he could be alone with her.
The girl, however, did not wait for him to carry out his plans and left the scene.
The court was informed that Ahmed had breached the terms of his sexual harm prevention order, which was meant to prevent him from contacting minors, and had deliberately engaged in a sexually motivated act while still on license.
Judge Philip Harris-Jenkins addressed Ahmed directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions.
He stated, “This was a deliberate act that was sexually motivated and committed whilst you were on licence.
You moved in quickly to groom her.
You induced her to go home with you until the path was clear.
You sent her love messages.” The judge sentenced Ahmed to three years and two months in prison, ordering him to register as a sex offender indefinitely.
Additionally, Ahmed was placed under a new 10-year sexual harm prevention order and was required to pay a victim surcharge of £170 upon his release.
Earlier in December 2017, Ahmed, then aged 20 and residing on Ruperra Street in Newport, had already been sentenced for a similar pattern of behavior.
He pleaded guilty to six counts of causing or inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 into sexual activity after initiating contact with her via Facebook.
The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 15 at the time they began communicating.
The court heard that their relationship started around Christmas of the previous year, with Ahmed and the girl exchanging phone numbers and texting regularly.
Prosecutor Ian Kolvin detailed how Ahmed’s messages became increasingly explicit, including a declaration of love and the sending of an intimate image of himself.
He also threatened self-harm if she ceased contact, a tactic that further manipulated her and exemplified grooming behavior.
Ahmed initially claimed he was 16 but later corrected himself, admitting he was 19.
His arrest occurred on January 29 at his workplace, where he initially denied the allegations but later admitted to sending the messages and the photo, acknowledging he knew she was only 15.
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke described the case as involving classic grooming hallmarks, with aggravating factors such as threats of self-harm and the manipulation of a vulnerable young girl.
She emphasized that Ahmed’s actions were persistent and calculated, aimed at exploiting her naivety.
During the interview, Ahmed described his conduct as ‘paedophile-ish,’ and he was subsequently sentenced to three years and four months at a youth and young offenders rehabilitation centre.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register and subject to a sexual harm prevention order, reflecting the serious nature of his offenses and the ongoing risk he poses.
