MOHAMMED WAQAR KEIGHLEY SEX OFFENDER SENTENCE DOUBLED AFTER APPEAL
In a significant development in a disturbing case of child sexual abuse, Mohammed Waqar, a 33-year-old man from Keighley, has seen his original prison sentence doubled following an appeal by senior judges.The case, which garnered considerable attention, involved Waqar’s systematic and prolonged abuse of a young girl over a period of ten months, with the abuse occurring on multiple occasions and involving various heinous acts.
Waqar was initially sentenced in December at Bradford Crown Court to just two years in prison after being convicted of eight counts, including seven charges of sexual assault of a girl under 13 and one count of causing her to watch a sexual act.
The court heard that Waqar, who was married and had three children, engaged in a pattern of predatory behavior that included pulling down the girl’s trousers, touching her indecently, and showing her pornography on his phone.
The jury also learned that he kissed the girl on the lips, further compounding the severity of his misconduct.
The case came to light when the young girl confided in her mother in September of the previous year, prompting police involvement.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence that Waqar had deliberately isolated the girl to facilitate his abuse, a point emphasized by the trial judge, Recorder Rachael Harrison.
She described Waqar’s actions as a calculated effort to exploit the girl’s vulnerability, stating, “You systematically abused her over 10 months.” Despite the gravity of the charges and the clear evidence presented, the initial sentence was deemed too lenient by the Court of Appeal.
Solicitor General Robert Buckland QC MP formally referred the case, arguing that the original two-year sentence did not adequately reflect the seriousness of Waqar’s crimes.
The Court of Appeal, after reviewing the case, agreed and increased Waqar’s prison term to four years.
This decision underscores the judiciary’s recognition of the profound psychological damage caused by such abuse and the importance of appropriate sentencing to serve justice and protect potential future victims.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Waqar was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years, aimed at preventing any future offenses.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender, a measure intended to monitor and restrict his activities moving forward.
Following the hearing, the Solicitor General expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing the damaging impact of sexual abuse on children and commending the Court of Appeal for its decision.
“Sexual abuse is one of the most psychologically damaging things that can happen to a child.
Waqar is guilty of repeatedly and consistently abusing the victim.
I’m pleased the Court of Appeal has agreed to extend his sentence,” he stated.
Earlier, in October, Waqar was convicted at Bradford Crown Court of seven counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act.
The jury found him guilty after hearing evidence of his misconduct, which included showing the girl pornography, pulling down her trousers, touching her indecently, and engaging in inappropriate physical contact.
The abuse reportedly began when the girl was just eight years old, with the incidents coming to light when she disclosed the abuse to her mother.
Despite the conviction, Waqar maintained his innocence, denying the allegations during the trial and to his probation officer.
His defense included references from family members and employers, who described him as a supportive family man, and his legal team urged the court to consider suspending the custodial sentence, though the judge ultimately emphasized the need for immediate imprisonment due to the nature of the crimes.
Today’s ruling marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to hold offenders accountable and ensure justice for victims of child sexual abuse.
The case highlights the importance of vigilant law enforcement and judicial systems in addressing such heinous acts and protecting vulnerable children from predatory individuals like Mohammed Waqar from Keighley.
