GREENOCK SHOP WORKER JAILED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON TEEN

A former Greenock shop worker, Omar Khan, aged 28, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offences. During his trial at Greenock Sheriff Court last month, jurors found that Khan had engaged in serious misconduct involving a 13-year-old girl. He was found guilty of six charges, including sexually assaulting the girl and sending her indecent messages, as well as coercing her to participate in sexual activities in exchange for vape products. The court heard that Khan also sexually assaulted her on one occasion at his workplace, Lights and Gifts, on Jamaica Street in Greenock, where he pushed her against a wall, kissed her neck and shoulders, touched her inappropriately, and attempted to pull down both her and his trousers. Additionally, Khan was convicted of selling vapes to the girl despite her being under 18. Furthermore, he caused two 12-year-old girls and another 13-year-old to view a sexual image by sending them photographs of himself between January and May 2022. During the sentencing hearing, the judge noted the severity of the offences, condemning Khan for grooming the girl through Snapchat and Instagram, which escalated to the sexual assault. The court emphasized the impact on the victim, praising her bravery. Khan, who comes from Glasgow, was also ordered to register as a sex offender for an indefinite period and will serve a 30-month prison sentence. Defence counsel Joseph Barr highlighted his limited offending history and the possibility of a community payback order as an alternative to custody. The sentence was influenced by a social work report and the need to both punish Khan and protect the public, with Sheriff Anthony McGeehan condemning him for grooming the girl and noting the importance of safeguarding community well-being.