NAIM KHAN FROM OXFORD SENTENCED TO NINE YEARS FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE IN CHILD PREDATOR RING
In a harrowing case that has shocked the community of Oxford, Naim Khan, a 38-year-old man from Herschel Crescent, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in a disturbing sex abuse gang that targeted a vulnerable schoolgirl, referred to as Girl A.The conviction follows a detailed police investigation known as Operation Sabaton, which uncovered the extent of the grooming and exploitation carried out by Khan and three other men in the city between 1999 and 2007.
At Oxford Crown Court, Judge Ian Pringle QC delivered the sentence after Khan was found guilty of multiple charges, including indecent assault and supplying heroin and cocaine to Girl A.
The court heard that Khan had engaged in repeated indecent acts with Girl A over several years, during which he would pick her up in his vehicle, take her to undisclosed locations, and feed her Class A drugs.
In exchange, she was coerced into performing sexual acts, a situation that the judge described as a clear example of predatory behavior.
Prosecutors revealed that Khan’s actions were part of a broader pattern of grooming, where he supplied drugs to the young girl to facilitate her exploitation.
The court also learned that Khan admitted to making indecent images of a second girl, known as Girl B, in 2007, although he was acquitted of further charges related to her.
During the trial, jurors heard that Girl A had a 'silent agreement' with the men, performing sexual acts in exchange for alcohol and drugs, which underscores the manipulative and coercive environment created by the offenders.
Following the sentencing, Det Insp Driver expressed his concern that there are likely more victims who have not yet come forward, emphasizing that the offenders are still hiding their suffering.
He condemned Khan’s behavior, stating, “His supply of drugs in order to commit sexual offences against a vulnerable girl is an indication of his sexual predatory behavior.
I think the people of Oxford and around the country will agree that preying on a vulnerable child for your own sexual gratification is a despicable thing to do.” Khan’s defense lawyer, Tracy Ayling QC, highlighted that her client, who has 20 previous convictions, is seeking rehabilitation and has expressed a desire to mentor fellow inmates.
She also noted that Khan has been deeply affected by his inability to see his children since his arrest last June.
In addition to his prison sentence, Khan was ordered to pay a victim surcharge, and a lifelong sexual harm prevention order was imposed to restrict his future conduct.
He also admitted to possessing heroin with intent to supply and possessing cannabis during a visit to Bullingdon Prison on March 21 of the previous year.
Although Khan was initially scheduled for a second trial on additional charges, prosecutors decided to offer no evidence, leading to his acquittal on two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, covering the period from 2007 to 2009.
He is scheduled to appear before the court for sentencing on November 3.
In a related development, the broader investigation into child sexual exploitation in Oxford, known as Operation Bullfinch, uncovered a network of offenders involved in grooming and abusing young girls.
Several men, including Assad Hussain and the Dogar brothers, received lengthy sentences for their roles in the abuse of Girl A and other victims.
Hussain was sentenced to 12 years, while the Dogar brothers received 10-year terms, with their sentences to run concurrently with previous life sentences for earlier offenses.
All involved offenders are subject to sexual harm prevention orders and are required to register as sex offenders for life.
Thames Valley Police continues to encourage victims of child sexual exploitation to come forward and seek support.
They can do so by calling 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555111, reaffirming their commitment to tackling such heinous crimes and supporting those affected.
