MOHAMMED AMIN AND MOHAMMED ALAM FROM DUDLEY AND ELLENBOROUGH SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN MARYPORT

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Maryport, two men, Mohammed Alam and Mohammed Amin, have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in a series of sexual misconducts involving young girls and a young woman who worked at the Crown Spice Inn. The incident, which took place between December 2017 and February 2018, was brought to light after one of the schoolgirl victims confided in her teacher, leading to police investigations and subsequent court proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court.

Mohammed Alam, aged 46, a restaurant owner residing on Main Street in Ellenborough, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. His actions included inappropriate touching of a schoolgirl employee, which was reported after she disclosed the incident to her teacher. The girl recounted how Alam had ordered her to change out of her school shirt during her shift, and then followed her into a toilet while she was changing into a vest he provided. While she checked her appearance in a mirror, Alam touched her inappropriately. The girl was visibly shocked and asked him what he was doing, to which Alam claimed he was trying to 'tuck her in.' Despite her distress, she managed to walk out of the premises, and her mother was understandably angry about the incident. However, the girl’s mother chose not to contact the police immediately, believing her daughter was no longer at risk.

Another young girl, also working at the same establishment, was subjected to inappropriate conduct by Alam while she was taking down Christmas decorations. He told her, “Oh, you’re a good lass,” in a manner that clearly distressed her. Following this, her mother instructed her to leave the job, after which the girl confided in her mother about Alam’s behaviour. The court also heard that Mohammed Amin, aged 41 and residing on St John Street in Netherton, Dudley, had a history of inappropriate conduct towards a young woman aged 18. Amin, who was also employed at the Crown Spice Inn, would often try to isolate her during her shifts. On one occasion, claiming there was a stain on her top, he pulled her neckline to expose her cleavage. The young woman described how Amin would greet her with kisses and cuddles, and on one occasion, he attempted to kiss her on the lips. She also revealed that Amin had searched for “teenage pornography” on his mobile phone, indicating a disturbing interest in minors.

The court heard from the victims and reviewed evidence, including the mobile phone searches, which confirmed the inappropriate and illegal behaviour of both men. The youngest victim described how her innocence was stolen, and the older victim expressed how the incidents had damaged her ability to form relationships in the future. Both defendants admitted to the charges of sexual activity with minors and sexual assault.

Judge Nicholas Barker addressed the court, emphasizing the seriousness of the offences. He pointed out that both Alam and Amin, despite being in their 40s and having no prior convictions, had abused their positions of trust. The judge highlighted that the victims had gone to work expecting a safe environment but were instead subjected to exploitation and abuse. He stated, “Young girls are entitled to be safe and to be protected,” and condemned society’s long-standing tendency to turn a blind eye to such misconduct. The judge made it clear that custodial sentences were necessary, but he also acknowledged that the offences were considered “low level,” leading to suspended prison terms of nine months for each defendant, which will be held for two years.

In addition to their jail sentences, both Alam and Amin are required to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and up to 30 days of rehabilitation programs. They will also be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for ten years and subject to a sexual harm prevention order, aimed at protecting the community from further offences. The court’s verdict underscores the importance of safeguarding young girls and holding offenders accountable for their actions, sending a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated in society.