MUHAMMED WAQAS FROM BIRMINGHAM AND PETERBOROUGH JAILED FOR GROOMING 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In August 2013, a disturbing case of child grooming and sexual assault unfolded involving Muhammed Waqas, a man with connections to both Birmingham and Peterborough.The case drew significant attention due to the serious nature of the offenses and the vulnerability of the young victim involved.
Waqas, aged 23 at the time, engaged in a pattern of manipulative behavior that included hundreds of phone calls and text messages directed at a 14-year-old girl from Peterborough.
His persistent communication was aimed at establishing a relationship with her, ultimately leading to a sexual encounter in the back of a car in the Dogsthorpe area of Peterborough.
On the day of sentencing, Waqas was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.
The court also announced that he would face deportation upon completing his sentence, reflecting the serious view taken by the judiciary on such offenses.
During the proceedings, Waqas initially denied any sexual activity with a minor but later pleaded guilty to the charges, which led to his conviction.
The sentencing was carried out by Judge Nic Madge at Peterborough Crown Court.
Judge Madge emphasized the gravity of the crime, stating, “Everyone knows that the age of consent in this country is 16.
There is considerable public concern about older men who groom vulnerable girls in their early teens and have sex with them.
Rightly so.
That is why men who have sex with 13, 14, and 15-year-old girls must expect to go to prison.
In this court, we treat such offenses very seriously.” The court heard details of Waqas’s actions in February, when he arranged to meet two 14-year-old girls.
During these meetings, he took them to a McDonald's restaurant, bought them burgers, and gave them cigarettes.
His manipulative tactics included bombarding the girls with numerous phone calls—357 to his victim and 46 to her friend—highlighting his persistent efforts to maintain contact and influence.
In March, while visiting friends in Peterborough, Waqas agreed to meet the same girl and another young girl.
Once again, he took them to McDonald's, provided cigarettes, and then drove them to Dogsthorpe, where he engaged in sexual activity with one of the girls.
At the time, the girl’s friend was sitting in the front of the car, listening to music through headphones, unaware of the assault taking place.
A victim impact statement was read aloud in court, revealing the lasting emotional toll on the girl.
She expressed that she continues to suffer from sleepless nights as a result of the incident, underscoring the profound impact of Waqas’s actions.
Defense lawyer Rajinder Gill argued that Waqas was ‘immature’ for his age and that his father was seriously ill in Pakistan, which may have influenced his behavior.
The lawyer also noted that Waqas had no previous criminal convictions.
Detective Inspector Simon Harding commented on the case, stating, “Waqas groomed his victim by sending her texts then arranging to meet.
He was fully aware she was only 14 but still had sex with her, while her friend was also in the car.
Waqas preyed on her vulnerability to satisfy his own desires.
Such behavior is not acceptable, and the victim showed great courage to come forward to police.
We are pleased he has now been brought to justice.”
