SHABAZ AHMED FROM GREAT LEVER AND TONGE MOOR SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES IN BOLTON

In September 2013, Shahbaz Ahmed, a taxi driver from Great Lever and Tonge Moor, was sentenced to ten years in prison after being convicted of raping a 15-year-old boy. The incident took place in Bolton, where Ahmed, aged 35 and residing on Bertrand Road, Heaton, lured the young teenager into his vehicle under the pretense of concern for his safety. Ahmed, who was married and a father of three, told the boy that it was unsafe to walk home late at night and offered him a lift, a gesture that initially seemed benign to the teenager.

However, instead of taking the boy directly home, Ahmed drove him to an isolated parking area at Harwood Golf Club. It was there that he committed a sexual assault, forcing the young victim to perform a sex act against his will. The boy, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, was left feeling vulnerable and traumatized by the experience. The court heard that Ahmed, who had no prior convictions, denied the charges of rape, but a jury of twelve members unanimously found him guilty after a three-day trial held in July.

During the trial, Vanessa Thomson, prosecuting, highlighted the lasting impact on the victim. She explained that the boy now feels unsafe when using public transportation, perceives his personality as more aggressive, and has been emotionally affected by the ordeal and the process of giving evidence. Thomson emphasized that the boy felt as though he was being accused of lying, which compounded his distress.

The court proceedings revealed that the incident occurred early on July 13 of the previous year. The boy was walking along Thicketford Road in Tonge Moor when Ahmed, working a shift for Metro Cars, pulled up alongside him. Ahmed offered the boy a lift, citing concerns about his safety. The teenager initially believed this was a kind gesture. However, after a brief stop outside the boy’s home, Ahmed drove him to the secluded car park at Harwood Golf Club instead of returning him home.

Judge Stead addressed Ahmed directly, stating, “You took advantage of the situation and the fact you were in a taxi to entice him into your vehicle. I have no doubt at all that your purpose was sexual.” The judge further explained that Ahmed exploited his position of authority and control during the incident. He noted that Ahmed’s demeanor changed once they reached the car park, becoming less pleasant and more intimidating. The victim, in his testimony, described feeling frightened and isolated, unable to resist Ahmed’s demands for a sexual act. Judge Stead accepted the boy’s account as truthful, emphasizing that Ahmed’s intimidation and the victim’s fear overpowered his will, leading to the assault.

Defense lawyer Wayne Jackson argued that Ahmed was generally regarded as polite and well-behaved, with no previous criminal record. Jackson also mentioned that Ahmed’s wife was expecting their third child in January, and that the conviction had severely impacted his family. Despite these mitigating factors, the judge made it clear that the seriousness of the offense warranted a substantial custodial sentence.

In addition to the prison term, Ahmed was issued a sexual offences prevention order. This order prohibits him from living or sleeping in the same accommodation as any boy under 16 without official approval. He is also barred from contacting his victim and must disclose details of any vehicle he drives to the police. Furthermore, Ahmed has been placed on the sex offenders register and is prohibited from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Detective Constable Mark Tiffany from the Serious Sexual Offences Unit commented on the case, stating, “The trauma of what happened will stay with the victim for a long time, and it is a credit to him that he gave evidence that was vital in securing Ahmed’s conviction.” The case underscores the importance of vigilance and the need to protect young people from exploitation and abuse, especially in situations where trust is exploited by offenders.