OMED MAHMOOD AND JOJO THIRUNILAM SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN WARRINGTON
In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Warrington, two individuals from Cheshire have been convicted and sentenced for their involvement in a heinous sexual assault targeting an 18-year-old woman.The incident unfolded in the early hours of October 31, 2021, and the details reveal a calculated and brutal attack that has left a lasting impact on the victim and the local area.
According to court proceedings, Omed Mahmood, a 40-year-old man residing on Brooklands Avenue, was the primary offender in this case.
The court heard that Mahmood approached several women outside a nightclub in Warrington town centre during the early morning hours.
After selecting his target, he proceeded to walk her to a nearby taxi rank, where the assault was set into motion.
It was during this journey that Mahmood, along with accomplice Jojo Thirunilam, who was driving the taxi, committed their crimes.
At approximately 5 a.m., Thirunilam, of Cronulla Drive in Great Sankey, drove the victim and Mahmood from Warrington towards Mahmood’s residence in Atherton.
During the hour-long trip, the victim, who had initially been conscious, eventually fell asleep.
It was during this vulnerable state that Mahmood sexually assaulted her and attempted to rape her.
The court was told that Thirunilam, the driver, watched from the rearview mirror and made inappropriate licking gestures, seemingly complicit or at least aware of the assault taking place.
As the vehicle traveled, Mahmood forcefully pulled the unconscious victim from the back seat and carried her into his home.
There, he continued to attack her as she slipped in and out of consciousness, further compounding the trauma inflicted upon her.
The victim, in a distressed state, managed to escape nearly two hours later and sought help at a nearby store.
She was found disoriented, not knowing where she was or how she had ended up there, highlighting the severity of her ordeal.
It was revealed during the trial that Mahmood and Thirunilam did not know each other prior to this incident.
Thirunilam had been paid to turn a blind eye to Mahmood’s actions, effectively aiding and abetting the assault.
The court heard that Thirunilam, aged 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting and was subsequently sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Additionally, he was ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register, and his taxi license had previously been suspended by Warrington Borough Council.
Mahmood faced a more severe punishment.
After a four-day trial, he was convicted of four counts of sexual assault and attempted rape, along with three additional charges of sexual assault and one of attempted rape.
He was sentenced to nine years in prison, reflecting the gravity of his crimes and the need for justice for the victim.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance and community awareness in preventing such heinous acts.
The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who commit sexual offenses and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to protect vulnerable individuals in Warrington and beyond.
