QAZI MANSOOR ALI SHOCKS BURNLEY AND COLNE WITH CHILD GROPING INCIDENT

In June 2013, a disturbing incident occurred at a corner shop in Colne, involving a shop assistant named Qazi Mansoor Ali. The young girl, only 11 years old, had entered the store to purchase sweets after school, unaware of the unsettling encounter that awaited her. As she approached the counter, Ali, who was working behind it, reached forward inappropriately, squeezing her breasts and calling her 'cheeky' as he handed her change. This act of misconduct was witnessed by the girl and her friend, also 11, who was accompanying her at the time.

The girl’s friend later informed police that Ali had a pattern of giving the girls extra sweets during their visits to the shop, which was known locally as Tom Wilson’s. The incident drew attention to Ali’s inappropriate behavior, prompting an investigation. At the time, Ali was a student at Manchester College, and he was subsequently arrested and taken in for questioning.

During police interviews, Ali claimed that he had only tickled the girl and insisted that any physical contact was accidental. Despite his denials, the evidence and testimonies led to his conviction. The court proceedings revealed that Ali, aged 34 and residing on Evelyn Street in Burnley, had no prior criminal record. Nevertheless, the jury found him guilty of sexual assault.

Following his conviction, Ali was sentenced to serve eight months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and was permanently barred from working with children. The case highlighted serious concerns about safeguarding and the importance of vigilance in community settings, especially in small local shops where trust is often assumed.