ARSHAD MOHAMMAD FROM ROCHDALE SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND SEXUAL ABUSE OF THREE GIRLS IN GREATER MANCHESTER

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Rochdale, a man named Arshad Mohammad has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in grooming and sexually abusing three young girls in the Greater Manchester area. The case, which was brought to light through a detailed police investigation, highlights the serious issue of child exploitation and the efforts made by law enforcement to combat it.

Mohammad, aged 44 and residing on Merefield Street in Rochdale, pleaded guilty during an earlier court hearing to multiple charges, including three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and meeting a child after grooming her for sexual purposes. His actions spanned over a period of time and involved manipulative tactics to exploit vulnerable young girls.

According to police reports, Mohammad targeted two girls aged 14 and another girl aged 15, using social media platforms as his primary means of contact. The grooming process began between May and November of 2012, during which he befriended the victims and gained their trust. Police revealed that he used gifts, including cigarettes and alcohol, as well as providing money, to lure the girls into his circle and to satisfy his own sexual desires.

Further details from the investigation indicate that Mohammad took two of the victims to a flat in Rochdale, where he committed sexual assaults. The abuse was carried out in secret, with the victims feeling compelled to keep silent out of fear and confusion. In October of the same year, Mohammad established contact with a third girl, whom he also befriended through the exchange of gifts. Unfortunately, she too fell victim to his sexual abuse.

In addition to the charges related to sexual activity, Mohammad also admitted to attempting to pervert the course of justice, which involved efforts to conceal his actions and avoid detection. His actions were finally uncovered thanks to the bravery of the victims who came forward and reported the abuse, allowing police to build a case against him.

Detective Constable Laura Crossley commented on the case, stating, “Mohammad used money and gifts to pull the wool over the girls’ eyes to gratify his own sexual needs. However, thanks to their bravery in coming forward, he was identified and brought to justice.”

The investigation was conducted by the Sunrise team, a specialized unit within Greater Manchester Police. This team works in partnership with Rochdale Council to address issues related to the sexual exploitation of vulnerable children, aiming to both reduce such crimes and ensure offenders are held accountable. Mohammad was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, marking a significant step in the ongoing fight against child exploitation in the region.