PERVEZ AKHTAR STOURBRIDGE PAEDOPHILE HUNTER CAUGHT IN NUNEATON AND LYING IN WARWICK

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Stourbridge and Nuneaton, Pervez Akhtar, a 57-year-old man from Church Road, Lye, was sentenced to prison after a series of disturbing incidents involving online grooming and dangerous driving linked to his attempts to meet a minor for sexual activity.

Akhtar’s criminal activities came to light following a sting operation conducted by the self-styled paedophile hunter, Stinson Hunter. The case dates back to June 2, 2013, when Akhtar, using the online alias Ink45, initiated contact with a girl named Jodie through an internet chat platform. Despite her profile indicating she was 13 years old, her profile picture appeared to be of an 18-year-old, which did not deter Akhtar from pursuing further communication.

During their online exchanges, Akhtar, who also went by the name Pia Shalako, asked Jodie for explicit photographs and inquired about her sexual experiences. He expressed a desire to meet her in person, suggesting he could bring alcohol and adult films, and even proposed visiting her home in Cedar Road, Nuneaton. When Jodie mentioned her friend Lucy was visiting, Akhtar sent her a picture of his genitals and suggested a threesome. The conversations grew increasingly explicit, with Akhtar requesting graphic images of Jodie and discussing his preferences for intimacy, claiming he was 'more a kisses and cuddles person' but admitting he could be tempted by her.

On the evening of June 4, 2013, Akhtar was parked in Cedar Road, Nuneaton, when Hunter and his associates arrived in a vehicle. Hunter approached Akhtar’s Renault Megane, shouting for him to stop and wind down his window. Recorded footage from Hunter’s associate showed Akhtar reversing his vehicle to escape, with Hunter chasing after him. The footage then captured Akhtar’s car speeding forward, with Hunter on the bonnet, sprawled across the windscreen before being thrown off. Witnesses described the incident differently, with one stating Hunter jumped onto the bonnet rather than being knocked onto it, and that he punched the windscreen during the altercation.

As a result of the fall, Hunter sustained fractures to his heel and other bones in his foot, necessitating a week-long hospital stay and several weeks in plaster. He also required the use of a wheelchair for two weeks. The incident drew significant media attention, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting to combat online predators.

In court, Akhtar pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a girl under the age of 16 following sexual grooming. Prosecutor Michelle Heeley explained that the case was largely based on the actions of Hunter, who had created an online persona to entrap individuals he suspected of being paedophiles. Akhtar’s defense, represented by Harpreet Sandhu, argued that there was no actual victim involved and emphasized that Akhtar’s online activity was not initially predatory. The defense also pointed out that Akhtar’s failure to stop the communication once he learned Jodie’s age was a sign of his inability to reflect on his actions.

Judge Andrew Lockhart QC sentenced Akhtar to 15 months in prison, banned him from driving for three years, and ordered him to register as a sex offender for ten years. Additionally, Akhtar was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order. The judge acknowledged that while no child was directly placed at risk, Akhtar’s encouragement of Jodie to recruit others was concerning and demonstrated a pattern of inappropriate behavior.

Earlier, in May 2014, Akhtar had appeared in Warwick Crown Court, pleading guilty to attempting to meet a girl under 16 following sexual grooming. At that time, he was also accused of dangerous driving in Cedar Road, Nuneaton, where he allegedly knocked Hunter onto the bonnet of his vehicle before fleeing the scene. The prosecution sought a trial for the dangerous driving charge, but the case was adjourned for further review, with Akhtar granted bail pending sentencing. Judge Richard Griffith-Jones warned Akhtar that the bail did not imply leniency and that he faced the possibility of imprisonment when sentenced.

This series of events underscores the ongoing issues surrounding online grooming, vigilantism, and the risks faced by those involved in exposing predators. Akhtar’s case remains a stark reminder of the complex legal and moral challenges in addressing internet-based crimes and the importance of safeguarding minors from exploitation.