WAHEED IQBAL JAILED FOR SEXUAL GROOMING IN DERBY'S SHERWOOD RECREATION GROUND

In July 2012, a man named Waheed Iqbal was sentenced to prison for his involvement in a disturbing case of sexual harassment and grooming targeting a 14-year-old girl in Derby. The incident took place at Sherwood Recreation Ground, located on Osmaston Park Road, a popular local park frequented by young people and families.

Waheed Iqbal, aged 38 at the time, was convicted of making inappropriate and sexual suggestions to the young girl during their encounters in the park. Despite denying any intent to incite sexual activity, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him of grooming and harassment. As a result, Iqbal was sentenced to 15 months behind bars.

Judge Ebraham Mooncey presided over the case and delivered a stern judgment. He highlighted that Iqbal had a pattern of visiting the park regularly, knowing that it was a gathering spot for young people. The judge stated, “The court heard evidence that at the time you would frequently go to the park where you knew that the young lads and lasses would be and you would try and talk to the girl in particular.”

Judge Mooncey further explained that Iqbal, who previously resided on Olivia Street in Derby, had made repeated attempts to invite the girl to his home, despite her clear refusals. The court heard that the girl had told Derby Crown Court she had told Iqbal to go away because he was too old. She recounted that he would ask her and her friends to go back to his house for “a bit of fun,” sometimes suggesting they go behind bushes, but she consistently refused.

The judge noted that during the period in 2010, Iqbal persistently asked the girl for sex, which made her feel increasingly uncomfortable. The girl’s testimony revealed that although she initially thought his advances might be playful, the situation escalated to a point where she felt genuinely distressed. Judge Mooncey emphasized that her resilience prevented Iqbal from succeeding in his intentions.

In mitigation, the defense attorney, Alastair Munt, argued that Iqbal was of “good character” and that the girl’s discomfort was the worst consequence of his actions. Munt suggested that the girl continued to visit the park despite her discomfort, implying that her actions might have contributed to the situation.

However, the court also considered the fact that Iqbal had sent messages via Facebook, allegedly on behalf of friends, to the girl. Judge Mooncey pointed out that Iqbal was fully aware that the girl was a minor and that his actions persisted over several weeks, if not months. The judge remarked, “The only reason why you did not succeed is that the young girl was strong and resilient. She refused you.”

As part of his sentence, Iqbal was also ordered to comply with a sexual offences prevention order for ten years. This order includes restrictions on his internet use and prohibits him from contacting children, aiming to prevent any future offenses and protect other potential victims in Derby and beyond.