SAJID HASSAN, BLACKBURN SEXUAL PREDATOR, SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND ASSAULTING TEEN GIRL

In February 2012, Sajid Waseem Hassan, a 43-year-old man from Blackburn, Lancashire, was sentenced to serve a lengthy prison term after being convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. Hassan, a married father of three, was described by the court as a calculated and manipulative predator who targeted a vulnerable teenager with the intent of satisfying his own sexual desires.

According to court proceedings, Hassan had deliberately and cynically groomed the young girl after noticing her in the street while she was dressed in her school uniform. Over a period of time, he showered her with gifts, including designer clothing and jewelry, and eventually persuaded her to engage in sexual activity. The abuse was carried out in his home, with the girl visiting after he provided her with a mobile phone and other inducements.

In October 2009, Hassan convinced the girl to get into his car in Blackburn town centre. Following this, he continued to manipulate her, which included arranging visits to his house. The court heard that Hassan had sexual intercourse with the girl on at least one occasion, although the victim indicated that sexual contact may have occurred between 12 and 15 times. The prosecution revealed that the sex was unprotected, with Hassan claiming he could not have children due to a prior operation.

Judge Robert Altham, presiding over the case at Preston Crown Court, delivered a stern sentence, stating, “There is no doubt, based on the evidence, that having seen her you were on that day acting as a sexual predator looking for gratification. It is plain to me that what you did was to cynically groom this young girl for sexual activity. This was determined, pre-planned and persistent conduct, carried out pitilessly by you to satisfy your sexual cravings.”

The judge further emphasized Hassan’s lack of remorse, noting that he showed no insight into the harm caused and believed there was no victim other than himself. The court acknowledged the significant and long-lasting damage inflicted upon the girl and her family. Hassan’s conduct was deemed dangerous, warranting an extended sentence of eight years, with 33 months to be served in custody before release on licence for the remaining period.

During the trial, Hassan was acquitted of a third count related to sexual activity with a child. The prosecution’s evidence included the fact that Hassan had taken the girl’s phone, deleted all traces of his contact, and later told her he did not want anything bad to happen to him because he had children. The girl described feeling used and foolish, unable to resist his advances, which took place without a condom, as Hassan falsely claimed he could not father children.

Prosecutor Martine Snowden highlighted that the girl was unsure whether she had initially tried to resist Hassan’s advances, but she lacked the strength or energy to do so. Hassan’s actions included giving her gifts and manipulating her emotionally, which left her feeling exploited. After the abuse, Hassan’s behavior became more secretive; he removed the phone and distanced himself from her, citing concerns for his children as a reason for ending contact.

Following his arrest, Hassan claimed that he had broken off contact with the girl in January 2010 and insisted he was a man of good character, with a strong work ethic and no involvement with drugs or alcohol. His defense argued that no undue force or coercion was used. However, Judge Altham pointed out that Hassan’s actions involved careful manipulation of a vulnerable young girl, exploiting her for his own gratification.

As part of his sentence, Hassan was also prohibited from working with children, placed on the Sex Offenders Register, and required to inform police of his whereabouts indefinitely upon release. The case underscores the serious nature of grooming and sexual abuse crimes, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable minors from predatory individuals in communities like Blackburn.