MOHAMMED AMJAD FROM BRIERFIELD SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY SEXUAL CRIMES IN EAST LANCASHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community of Brierfield and the surrounding areas of East Lancashire, Mohammed Amjad, aged 26, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for a series of disturbing crimes involving a young girl. The offences spanned over a period from April 2009 to October 2010, during which Amjad engaged in grooming and sexual activity with a girl who was just 12 or 13 years old at the start of their interactions.

Amjad’s conduct was characterized by a blatant disregard for the girl’s age and vulnerability. Prosecutors revealed that he had obtained her mobile phone number and used it as a means to manipulate her. He would drive her around the streets of East Lancashire in his silver BMW, creating an environment of familiarity and trust that he exploited for his own gratification. The situation escalated when, at the age of 14, the girl was subjected to sexual acts by Amjad, despite clear warnings from her mother to stay away from him.

When the girl’s mother confronted Amjad about her daughter’s underage status and warned him to cease contact, his response was dismissive and disrespectful. He arrogantly shrugged his shoulders and told her to stay away, showing a lack of remorse or concern for the consequences of his actions. Despite the mother’s intervention, Amjad continued to pursue the girl, and he was seen driving her around in his vehicle before the sexual relationship took place.

The case came to light when the mother reported her concerns to the police. However, initially, the girl was reluctant to make a formal complaint, and the relationship persisted for some time. It was only later that the full extent of Amjad’s misconduct was uncovered. During the trial at Manchester Crown Court, Amjad pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a child and three counts of child abduction. These pleas were entered just before the girl was scheduled to be cross-examined, which significantly impacted the proceedings.

The court was also informed that the girl’s initial statements to police had been inconsistent, with her earlier claims suggesting she did not consent to the sexual acts. She had previously described being taken to a house on Sackville Street, Brierfield, where she was exposed to a gathering of Asian men involved in drinking, drug use, and the abuse of young girls. Despite the gravity of these allegations, the jury was directed to return not guilty verdicts on other charges, including rape, aiding and abetting rape, sexual assault, and witness intimidation, against Amjad and five other defendants.

Following the sentencing at Burnley Crown Court, Chris Long, the deputy chief crown prosecutor at CPS North West, issued a statement condemning Amjad’s actions. He described Amjad as a “predatory bully” who took advantage of the girl’s youth and vulnerability over an extended period. Long emphasized that Amjad was fully aware of her underage status yet continued to manipulate and abuse her for his own pleasure, wielding power and coercion to maintain control.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the CPS to pursue justice in such cases, stating that Amjad’s imprisonment was a necessary step in addressing his “truly appalling crimes.” The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors to combat predatory behavior and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse, especially in communities like Brierfield where such incidents have caused widespread concern.