SAQUIB HAMID ENDERBY SEXUAL PREDATOR JAILED FOR GROOMING TEEN GIRLS WITH DRUGS AND BOOZE

In September 2014, Saquib Hamid, a man from Enderby, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being convicted of a series of serious sexual offences and drug-related crimes involving young girls. The case revealed a disturbing pattern of grooming, manipulation, and exploitation carried out by Hamid, who used drugs, money, and alcohol to lure vulnerable teenagers into his grasp.

Hamid, aged 35 at the time, was found guilty by a jury at Leicester Crown Court of 24 separate offences. His crimes included twice engaging in sexual activity with a 15-year-old schoolgirl and attempting to persuade a 17-year-old girl into prostitution. The court heard that Hamid had built a false image of affluence and charm, often impressing girls he met through Facebook by driving them around in his BMW and hosting them at his well-furnished home on Old Church Road in Enderby.

During a police raid on his residence, authorities uncovered a significant stash of illegal substances, including cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamine, and cannabis. The police also seized dealer bags and scales, indicating intent to supply drugs. Hamid was found to be in possession of 16.69 grams of cocaine, 23.39 grams of ecstasy, 6.52 grams of amphetamine, and 3.59 grams of cannabis, all with the intent to distribute.

At the trial, Hamid maintained his innocence, but he later admitted to many of the allegations during a discussion with his probation officer, who prepared his pre-sentence report. The judge, Simon Hammond, highlighted the disturbing nature of Hamid’s actions, especially noting that while on bail in February of the previous year, he had befriended six girls aged between 14 and 17. These girls were often met at night, taken to his home, and given alcohol and drugs, with some staying overnight. The judge pointed out that Hamid’s intentions were clearly sexual, as evidenced by his overnight stay with a 15-year-old girl with whom he had consensual sex twice, despite knowing her age.

Furthermore, Hamid attempted to coerce a 17-year-old girl into prostitution on three separate occasions after supplying her with cocaine, but she refused. The court expressed concern over the vulnerability of these young girls, questioning what their mothers might have thought was happening. Hamid’s lifestyle, characterized by a well-appointed house, a luxury BMW, and financial means, made him particularly influential and manipulative in the eyes of the court.

Additional police raids in September 2013 and February 2014 uncovered more evidence of Hamid’s criminal activities. On September 18, 2013, authorities found a container with traces of cocaine and numerous dealer bags and scales at his home. His conviction included 17 counts of supplying cocaine or cannabis to six teenage girls between August and October of the previous year, as well as two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 16. He was also convicted of attempting to arrange the prostitution of a girl under 18 during July to September 2013.

Claire Robinson, representing Hamid, acknowledged that his recent admissions to the probation officer indicated a degree of remorse and a recognition of his wrongdoings. She noted that Hamid had struggled with cocaine addiction but had undergone detoxification while in custody and was now working as a peer mentor to help others with substance misuse issues. He also planned to pursue further education through the Open University during his incarceration.

As part of his sentence, Hamid was placed under a sexual offences prevention order, which prohibits him from having unsupervised contact with girls under 16. Additionally, he will be required to register as a sex offender for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities and preventing further harm to vulnerable young females.