CHESHAM MEN LEE WAKELIN AND ARSLAN KHAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

In a significant case highlighting the ongoing fight against child sexual exploitation, two men from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, have been sentenced to a combined total of 15 years in prison following a detailed investigation into their involvement in heinous crimes against two 15-year-old girls.

Lee Wakelin, aged 32, residing on Upper George Street in Chesham, and Arslan Khan, aged 21, of Severalls Avenue in the same town, appeared before Aylesbury Crown Court on October 3rd. Their convictions stem from a series of disturbing offences that took place in late December 2012, involving the manipulation and exploitation of vulnerable minors.

Wakelin received a sentence of seven years for inciting a child into prostitution, six years for trafficking within the United Kingdom, and an additional five years for engaging in sexual activity with a minor. These sentences are to run concurrently, reflecting the severity and interconnectedness of his crimes. Khan was handed an eight-year sentence for inciting a child into prostitution, seven years for trafficking, and five years for inciting sexual activity with a minor, also to run concurrently.

Both men were convicted last month, on September 9th, after a jury unanimously found them guilty of all charges following a trial that uncovered the full extent of their criminal conduct. The offences originated in Chesham and involved two girls, both aged 15 at the time, with the incidents spanning from December 29th to December 31st, 2012.

Thames Valley Police initiated their investigation on December 31st, 2012, after being alerted to two separate incidents involving the victims. The case details reveal that around 11 pm on December 29th, the two girls were together when Khan contacted them, inviting them to go 'cruising' with him. The girls declined initially but were later approached by Khan while he was in a car as they walked to a friend's house. Despite their refusal, they eventually entered Khan’s vehicle, and he drove them a short distance to meet Wakelin, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of another car.

During the journey, the girls were subjected to offers of drinks and drugs. Khan also disclosed plans to open a brothel and expressed a desire to recruit more girls, promising that they could earn up to £65,000 annually and even start using cocaine. Upon arriving at a park in the Watford area, one of the girls was coerced into walking with Wakelin into a wooded area, where she was pressured into engaging in sexual activity against her will.

The victims were eventually returned to Chesham around 3 am. Throughout the journey home, Khan persistently asked one of the girls if she wanted to work as a prostitute. Out of fear and pressure, she agreed, and Khan told her she needed to do a 'trial run.'

The following day, December 31st, the same girl was pressured by Khan to meet a man for sex. Initially refusing, she later agreed under duress when Khan became aggressive. The man recognized her as underage and left without engaging in any activity. It was only later that evening that police were contacted, prompting a thorough investigation.

Detective Constable Thomas Gregory, who led the case, emphasized the importance of the police’s work: “These successful convictions mark the end of a lengthy and complex investigation by Amersham Force CID, during which time Wakelin and Khan maintained their innocence. However, as a result of a thorough and detailed investigation, and with the support of the victims in this case, the pair were found guilty of all offences at court last month. Their sentences reflect the severity of their offending and should send out a clear message to anyone targeting children in this way, that Thames Valley Police will not tolerate such criminality and will pursue and convict those responsible.”

Superintendent Steve Hockin, overseeing police operations in Chiltern and South Bucks, reaffirmed the force’s commitment: “Child Sexual Exploitation is and remains a Force priority and we are investing more resources than ever before. This case demonstrates our dedication to protecting vulnerable children from exploitation. The victims and their families showed remarkable bravery in coming forward. We listened, acted decisively, and received strong support from our partners and the community, who share our revulsion at this criminality. The message is clear – we will listen, support, and relentlessly pursue offenders, regardless of who they are. It is the courage of victims and the support of the community that enable us to bring offenders like Wakelin and Khan to justice.”

In a related development in September 2014, the same two men were found guilty of luring the same girl into prostitution and engaging in sexual activity with her. The court heard that Wakelin and Khan pressured the girl, who was then 15, into these acts. Khan claimed that the two girls, now aged 17, had contacted him for a lift on December 28, 2012, and that he and Wakelin drove them to Cassiobury Park in Watford instead of their intended destination. Khan admitted to trying to kiss and touch one of the girls outside the car, claiming he stopped because her breath was 'upsetting.'

Further evidence showed Khan encouraging the girl to join a brothel he was planning, promising her a lucrative income and luxury lifestyle. He also offered her money to have sex with a man on December 31, but the man recognized her as underage and refused to proceed. The girl later confided in her mother, who contacted the police, leading to the convictions. The defendants are scheduled for sentencing on October 3rd at Aylesbury Crown Court.