Man jailed for sexual activity with a child
A man who groomed a child before sexually abusing them has been jailed.
Ayoob Lakhani, 53, of Carlton Grove, Southwark, London, was sentenced to four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of meeting a child following grooming at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 4 September.
He was sentenced to nine years in prison with an extended three-year licence, has been handed a 15-year restraining order and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register after he was convicted by a jury following a trial at the same court in June.
The offences are non-recent and involved Lakhani investing “significant time and money” into grooming the victim before the sexual offences were committed against him.
Lakhani met his victim online and claimed he believed them to be over 16, despite being told what school they attended.
He then sent them money for lunch and school books before carrying out the sexual offences.
A victim statement read on behalf of the victim in court said: “My anxiety is so bad from this whole situation that on days where I feel really anxious, I can’t even leave the house.
“This has impacted me so much financially as I can’t even go to work or do anything. I receive PIP to help me, but I would rather be working. I can’t go to work as I get physically sick from being so anxious.
“Emotionally, I am so drained. I used to get so upset and cry about it but now I can’t even do that. I can’t cry anymore as I feel numb as I have had this on my mind for so many years, It’s just horrible.”
DC Owen Folland, from our Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said: “The defendant preyed upon a vulnerable child, investing significant time and money into grooming him before committing sexual offences.
“Even when confronted with overwhelming evidence, he refused to accept responsibility. Instead, he attempted to shift the blame onto a teenage boy, never once acknowledging the harm he caused.
“This conviction sends a clear message that those who groom and sexually exploit children will be identified, investigated and put before the courts. We remain committed to safeguarding young people and ensuring offenders are held accountable for the harm they cause. I would also like to pay tribute to the victim, whose bravery and resilience have been instrumental in securing this outcome.”
• Grooming is the process by which an offender builds a relationship with a child or young person to gain their trust and exert influence, with the intention of exploiting or abusing them. It can happen anywhere, including online, and perpetrators may be strangers or people known to the victim. Groomers often target vulnerabilities and use gifts, friendship, attention or false relationships to manipulate young people over time. Exploitation is never the victim’s fault.
• Young people at risk may become secretive, withdrawn, miss school, stay out overnight, receive unexplained gifts, or have unusual contact with unfamiliar people. They may also appear fearful, tired, injured, or controlled by others. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report your concerns.
• If they are immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergencies or to share information, contact the police on 101, report online, or visit a police station.
• If you don’t want to talk to police or prefer to give information anonymously, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
• Fearless offers a route for children and young people to give information about crime 100% anonymously: Give information about crime 100% anonymously to Crimestoppers
• Find out more about the signs of child exploitation here.