MOHAMMED HOSSEIN AND BERNADINE SAMUELS SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE IN CARLISLE AND MORTON

In a case that has shocked the communities of Carlisle and Morton, two individuals have been held accountable for a disturbing series of child abuse crimes committed during the 1990s. Mohammed Hossein, aged 59, and Bernadine Samuels, aged 55, were both convicted of multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of young girls, with their actions spanning several years and locations within these towns.

Mohammed Hossein, who was employed as a restaurant worker in Carlisle at the time, was found guilty of 15 counts of indecent assault and 10 charges of indecency with a child. His crimes involved abusing two young girls, one of whom was only seven years old when the abuse began. The court heard that Hossein used various tactics to silence his victims, including buying them sweets, toys, and clothes to prevent them from revealing what was happening. One of the victims described the profound and lasting impact the abuse had on her, stating that she felt her life had been irreparably damaged by Hossein’s actions.

During the trial at Carlisle Crown Court, it was revealed that Hossein’s abuse took place in multiple settings, including his workplace at the Viceroy restaurant and his car, which was parked at the Sheepmount sports ground in Carlisle on at least one occasion. The court heard that Hossein had threatened one of the victims, telling her that if she told anyone about the abuse, he would slit her sister’s throat and force her to watch. Such threats underscored the terrifying environment in which these young girls were subjected to harm.

The investigation into Hossein’s crimes was initially halted after he moved to Warrington to start a new job, making it difficult for authorities to locate and arrest him. However, the case was reopened in 2011 after one of the victims was referred for counseling and subsequently approached the police again. This renewed effort led to Hossein’s eventual arrest and conviction. In mitigation, the court was informed that Hossein had since become a father and a family man, and that he had changed significantly since the time of the offenses.

Bernadine Samuels, who resided on Ellesmere Way in Morton, was convicted of aiding and abetting Hossein in his crimes. She was found guilty of 25 charges related to assisting him in his abuse of the girls. The court noted that Samuels had no previous convictions or cautions and appeared to have been motivated by financial gain, receiving cash and cigarettes in exchange for her assistance.

Judge Forrester addressed the court, describing how one of the victims had asked Hossein what he was doing during the abuse, to which he responded with a threatening statement: “if she told anyone he would slit her sister’s throat and make her watch.” The judge also detailed the locations where the abuse occurred, including the restaurant where Hossein worked and his car at the Sheepmount sports stadium.

As both defendants were led away to serve their prison sentences, Detective Constable Carolyn Willacy, who led the investigation, praised the victims for their tremendous courage in coming forward. She expressed hope that their bravery would encourage other victims of similar crimes to seek justice, even if the abuse was historical. DC Willacy emphasized that the police take all reports of sexual offenses seriously and are committed to thorough and professional investigations.

Sentencing for Hossein and Samuels was scheduled for October 16, with both individuals remanded in custody until that date. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for victims to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred.