KASHIF GUL FROM BLACKPOOL SENTENCED FOR GROOMING YOUNG GIRL IN SHOCKING CASE
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Blackpool, Kashif Gul, a 39-year-old kebab shop owner, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for grooming a vulnerable young girl.Gul, who resided above his takeaway establishment on Foxhall Road, was found guilty of two counts of gross indecency involving a child under the age of 16.
Jurors heard evidence that Gul had befriended the girl through her mother, which allowed him to gain her trust.
During the trial, it was revealed that he had purchased a ring and clothing for her, further establishing a manipulative relationship.
The victim, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, described her experience in a heartfelt victim impact statement, stating: “He knew I had few friends.
He knew I was shy, sweet and young and an easy catch for him.” Prosecutor Andrew Ford detailed the grooming process, explaining that Gul had given the girl alcohol and cannabis, and had behaved inappropriately, including going around topless in her presence.
The court was told that Gul exploited the girl’s vulnerable state, taking advantage of her lack of proper parental guidance.
The judge remarked that the girl had suffered significant psychological harm and that her moral development had been warped by her mother’s inadequate parenting.
The court also heard about a second incident where Gul visited her home with a DVD of himself bodybuilding, bringing along a bottle of Jack Daniels and a Coke.
During this visit, Gul told her, “I just used her for sex” during their first encounter, but later expressed that he thought she was a “quite a nice girl.” Prosecutor Ford recounted that when the girl went to fetch glasses, Gul was found sitting cross-legged with his shirt off, attempting to groom her further through manipulative behavior.
Judge Sara Dodd, presiding over the case at Preston’s Sessions House court, emphasized the victim’s feelings of being “trapped” during each incident.
She stated, “I have no doubt at all you saw her as an easy target.
Unexpectedly you turned up at her home.
She was painting your nails and you stroked her hand.
She thought you were interested in her.
There has been serious psychological harm.” Concern was also raised about Gul’s attitude towards women, as indicated in his pre-sentence report, which the judge found troubling.
When Gul, who was dressed in a maroon sweater and sporting a beard, was informed of his sentence through his Urdu interpreter, he appeared to begin crying.
Although Gul was legally residing in Britain, his conviction now puts him at risk of deportation once his sentence concludes, pending review by immigration authorities.
Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life.
The court was informed that the victim has since married and is now a mother, living in a stable relationship.
She had previously confided in police about Gul during an unrelated investigation.
Interestingly, Gul was also investigated by officers involved in the disappearance of schoolgirl Charlene Downes, as part of a broader effort to address child sexual exploitation in Blackpool.
However, authorities clarified that Gul has no direct link to the Charlene Downes case.
