MUSTAFA ALI'S SHOCKING BEHAVIOR IN SWINDON: SCHOOLGIRLS TARGETED NEAR WEST SWINDON CENTRE

In July 2018, a disturbing incident unfolded in Swindon involving Mustafa Ali, a known sex offender with a troubling history of predatory behavior. On the afternoon of Friday, July 20, Ali was observed loitering around the West Swindon Centre, an area frequented by schoolchildren and shoppers alike, coinciding with the last day of the school term and the beginning of summer holidays.

According to prosecutor Rob Welling, Ali was seen engaging in inappropriate conduct towards a group of 13-year-old girls. Witnesses reported that he was licking his lips suggestively and making lewd comments about getting comfortable on his bed, while also offering cigarettes to the young girls. The situation escalated when Ali explicitly invited two of the girls to return with him to his flat to smoke cannabis, an invitation they declined. His actions and remarks drew concern and alarm, especially considering his prior convictions and the fact that he was breaching a sexual offences prevention order issued in 2015.

Ali’s criminal history is extensive and troubling. Previously, he was convicted of multiple sex offenses, including groping three women over a span of 48 hours. His first known offense involved a woman and her adult daughter in Swindon town centre, where he inappropriately touched the mother by grabbing her hips and pressing against her. As she moved away, he followed and assaulted her daughter, attempting to grope her breasts and pressing himself against her. Just two days later, Ali was caught following and groping another young mother in Buckhurst Field, Walcot, as she was taking her child to nursery. These offenses led to his initial sentencing of 31 months in prison.

Despite being given a chance at rehabilitation, Ali’s behavior persisted. His breach of the 2015 sexual offences prevention order, which was designed to restrict his contact with minors and prevent further offenses, was a clear violation. During sentencing, Judge Jason Taylor QC addressed Ali’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of his misconduct. The judge noted that Ali’s approach to the teenage girls on the last day of school was highly inappropriate and dangerous. He pointed out that Ali had been observed licking his lips and making suggestive comments, and had offered to take the girls back to his home to smoke cannabis, which they refused.

Judge Taylor expressed concern over Ali’s admission that he finds teenage girls attractive, highlighting the potential risk posed to minors and the public. While acknowledging Ali’s past imprisonment, the judge also considered the possibility of rehabilitation. Ultimately, he decided to suspend a 16-month prison sentence for two years, provided Ali completes 30 days of rehabilitation activities and remains under supervision for that period. Additionally, a new 10-year sexual harm prevention order was imposed to further restrict Ali’s contact with minors and prevent future offenses.

In his remarks, the judge underscored the importance of monitoring Ali’s behavior and the need for ongoing support to address his underlying attitudes. Ali, who resides on Gerrard Walk, Grange Park, Swindon, was reminded of the serious consequences of his actions and the importance of adhering to the restrictions imposed by the court to protect vulnerable members of the community.