October 2009

Jail for Blackburn pair who groomed teenage girls

TWO Blackburn men who groomed underage girls for sex have been jailed for a total of almost five years.

Kamran Rashid was jailed for more than two-and-a-half years after he persisted in his illegal behaviour, even after police served him with a notice not to see the 15-year-old.

A judge at Preston Crown Court said his criminal record showed a complete disregard for the law and an inability or unwillingness to comply with court orders.

Rashid, 26, of Johnston Street, Blackburn, had pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child, plus an offence of disqualified driving and not having insurance.

Liam Jones, 21, from Brodick Road, Blackburn, was also jailed for two years after pleading guilty to sexual activity with a child.

Jones was arrested on April 24 and admitted having sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl in February 2009.

Both Rashid and Jones were arrested after lengthy investigations by the Engage team.

Both were put on the sex offenders register and were banned from working with children.

Speaking on behalf of Engage, Detective Sergeant Mark Whelan said: “I am satisfied with the outcome of both cases, which should send a strong message that this type of predatory crime will not be tolerated.

Both of these cases are testament to the hard work and dedication of the Engage team, without which they would never have come to court.”

Coun Chris Thayne, executive member for children’s services, said: “Blackburn with Darwen has taken this problem seriously and has committed resources to supporting agencies to deal with it.”