A 27-year-old man, Sheikh Mahmood of Whitehall Road, West Bromwich, has been sentenced to nine years in prison for the rape of a 13-year-old girl, he met on social media.
Mahmood lured the teenager into his car in February after arranging a meeting. He then drove her to a secluded car park in Warwick, where he raped her, Warwickshire Police said.
The incident occurred on February 10, and the victim, upon returning to her friend's house, reported the rape.
The police were called, leading to Mahmood's arrest at his West Bromwich residence the following day. He was unanimously found guilty of rape by a jury after a four-day trial in August.
In a hearing at Warwick Crown Court on Monday, October 2, Mahmood admitted to supplying cannabis to the same girl on the night of the offence. He was subsequently given the prison sentence.
Detective Constable James Stone-Fewings praised the victim for her bravery in coming forward, acknowledging the traumatic nature of the incident. He said, specially trained officers have provided ongoing support to the victim and her family throughout the investigation, recognising the challenges they face during this difficult time.
He added, "Mahmood has shown no remorse throughout, and thankfully has been convicted of this appalling crime. The length of his sentence reflects the need to protect the public from him."
FILE PHOTO: Floral tributes are laid following a vigil for the victims of the knife attack in Southport, Britain July 30, 2024. REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja
