MOHAMMED SALEEM JAILED IN ROCHDALE FOR HISTORIC ABUSE OF GIRLS
A man from Rochdale, Mohammed Saleem, 42, has been sentenced to 33 years in prison after being convicted of numerous serious sexual offences.Saleem targeted two girls aged 14 and 15 during the 1990s, exploiting their vulnerability for his own sickening gratification.
According to court reports, Saleem groomed the girls at a house belonging to an older associate, Minshull Street Crown Court heard.
He gave them rides in his taxi and supplied them with alcohol and cannabis before sexually abusing them.
Despite being married with children, Saleem continued to sexually, physically, and psychologically abuse one of the victims for over 17 years.
Prosecutor Mark Kellet indicated that Saleem even installed spyware on their computers to monitor their online activities.
Saleem was found guilty of 31 offences, including 16 counts of rape spanning an 18-year period, indecent assault, assault causing actual bodily harm, voyeurism, sexual assault, and making indecent images of a child.
The victim's trauma was exacerbated by the fact that alcohol and drugs were used to facilitate the abuse.
In a victim personal statement read to the court, one woman described her childhood as being full of abuse rather than love and safety, expressing feelings of shame and difficulty coming to court.
She said, "Coming to the stand in the court was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do." The second victim described the long-lasting impact of the abuse, stating, "It’s impossible to put into words how I have been personally affected by the last 32 years.
I became an empty shell.
My whole life was destroyed—I lost my identity when I was just a child." Following a six-week trial, the jury convicted Saleem of multiple offences, including six counts of indecent assault, rape of a 14-year-old girl, and others involving similar victims.
It was noted that Saleem had no prior convictions.
During mitigation, his lawyer, David Langwallner, acknowledged some responsibility but emphasized that Saleem no longer posed a danger, asserting, "He was a danger to young girls 20 years ago, but there have been no recent signs of that danger." sentencing judge Tina Landale condemned Saleem’s actions, highlighting how he exploited and manipulated the victims.
She remarked, "She was almost half your age when you spotted her and targeted her for a sexual relationship.
You exploited and manipulated her, taking away her freedom.
It was your distorted belief that Islam entitled you to rape her on many occasions.
You saw her as your possession." Judge Landale condemned Saleem’s planning and exploitation, describing his false compliments, use of drugs and alcohol, and his perception of entitlement.
She stated, "You have no remorse, and your report indicates you believe you have done nothing wrong." Saleem, of Cannon Street, was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment with an extended license period of three years.
He will serve two-thirds of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Sarah Hayfield of Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale district stated, "The victims in this case were abused in the worst ways possible.
This man preyed on their vulnerabilities as young girls and exploited them for his own sickening pleasure.
He then controlled and abused one victim for 17 years.
This was a horrific ordeal that has left a damaging and haunting impact on those affected." She praised the bravery of the victims and their families for their support during the investigation, expressing hope that the sentencing would bring some closure.
Detective Hayfield also thanked partner agencies, including Rochdale Borough Council, for their support in providing care and support to the victims.
She emphasized that child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse are always unacceptable and reaffirmed the authorities' commitment to justice.
