AZAD MIAH'S SHOCKING CRIME IN CARLISLE: CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING AND BROTHEL REVELATIONS

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Carlisle, a local takeaway owner named Azad Miah has been sentenced to a total of 15 years in prison for heinous crimes involving the exploitation of under-age girls and running a child prostitution operation. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of cold, calculated abuse, where Miah targeted vulnerable and desperate young girls, some as young as 12, with the intent of exploiting their circumstances for his own financial gain.

According to the prosecution at Carlisle Crown Court, Miah, aged 44 and a married father of four, engaged in a systematic campaign of sexual exploitation. He paid for the sexual services of two teenage girls, both introduced to him by the same woman, and encouraged one of them to have sex with him when she was only 15, out of her desperation for money. The other girl, who was a heroin addict, was involved in a sexual relationship with Miah between the ages of 15 and 17. The court also found that Miah incited three other girls, including a girl as young as 12, into prostitution, while operating a brothel above his former Spice of India shop located in the heart of Carlisle city centre.

One of the most troubling aspects of the case was the history of the 12-year-old victim, who had reported Miah's persistent harassment to police on three separate occasions in 2008. Despite her repeated complaints, no action was taken at the time, leading her to believe her concerns were ignored. When she was questioned by police following Miah's arrest in March 2011, she expressed her frustration, stating, "Because of something that happened three years ago and now youse have finally decided to do summat about it." During her police interview, she revealed that Miah bombarded her with up to 50 text messages daily, demanding sex and claiming that, in his country, age was not a concern.

Judge Peter Hughes QC emphasized the importance of learning lessons from this case, criticizing the police for missed opportunities to act on earlier warnings. Many of the girls involved were either addicted to drugs or came from troubled backgrounds, some known to local care authorities. Miah exploited their vulnerabilities, believing they would be less likely to resist his persistent offers and less credible when reporting abuse, given his facade as a respectable local businessman and community figure.

The court heard that prostitutes working at Miah's brothel were also tasked with recruiting other young girls, whom he referred to as "fresh meat." Money exchanged hands at his shop in Botchergate, where Miah's Bangladeshi employees and workers from other local takeaways paid for sex. Miah was convicted on multiple counts, including paying for sex with minors between 2006 and 2009, maintaining a brothel from 2005 to 2011, and inciting child prostitution on five separate occasions. He was sentenced to nine years for the child sex payments, one year for operating the brothel, and five years for inciting prostitution, totaling 15 years in prison. He was acquitted of charges related to two other girls.

Throughout the trial, Miah maintained his innocence, claiming that his accusers conspired to fabricate stories because he had stopped giving them money "out of kindness." However, Judge Hughes condemned his actions, stating, "This case reveals the seedier side of life in our town and city centres and what can happen to vulnerable and immature girls." The judge highlighted the need for greater awareness and safeguarding, urging parents, authorities, and police to be more vigilant in protecting at-risk youth. He pointed out that numerous opportunities to intervene had been missed, as police had previously received complaints about Miah's harassment but failed to act decisively.

Detective Inspector Geoff Huddleston, who led the investigation, acknowledged the shortcomings in earlier efforts to uncover the full extent of Miah's activities. He explained that initial reports from victims were often vague or incomplete, likening the investigation to assembling a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle with only a few pieces available at first. Despite these challenges, once concrete evidence emerged, authorities worked tirelessly with partner agencies to support the victims and bring Miah to justice.

In his closing remarks, Detective Huddleston emphasized the dedication of the investigative team and the importance of community vigilance. He also noted that two other men had been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault but were not prosecuted after the Crown Prosecution Service decided against further action. The judge praised the bravery of the girls who testified, acknowledging the personal cost they bore in sharing their experiences.

Stephen Meadowcroft QC, defending Miah, expressed his client's remorse, stating that Miah felt profound shame for his conduct and the shame it brought to his family. Nonetheless, Judge Hughes remarked that Miah's failure to show remorse earlier was a significant failing, especially given the suffering inflicted upon his victims. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by exploitation within seemingly respectable community settings, and the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive safeguarding to prevent such tragedies from recurring.