TARIQ CHAUDHRY FROM GLASGOW AND BOTHWELL FACES JAIL FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AT GLASGOW NEWSAGENTS

In October 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Tariq Chaudhry, a 59-year-old newsagent from Glasgow, who is now facing potential imprisonment after being exposed as a sexual predator targeting young girls in his shop. The allegations center around his conduct at Darroch's newsagents, located in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, where he employed young female workers between 2005 and 2008.

Chaudhry's inappropriate behavior included groping his victims as they worked behind the counter, making lewd sexual remarks, and even setting up a television in the shop to watch explicit films. His employment of these young girls, some as young as 15, involved him engaging in acts that crossed the boundaries of professional conduct and personal decency. One girl, who was only 15 at the time of her employment, reported that Chaudhry would often discuss his own sex life and affairs, creating an uncomfortable environment for her.

She recounted that he would look at models and comment on their breasts, ask her about her own appearance, and repeatedly groped her, including grabbing her bum and touching her legs. She described how he would put his arms around her and make her feel intimidated during her shifts. The victim, now 22, explained that she eventually handed in her notice due to the escalating nature of his inappropriate behavior. She also revealed that her mother would come to pick her up from work, but she was always conscious of not wanting her mother to enter the shop, highlighting her embarrassment and fear.

Another young woman, now aged 25, also came forward with allegations against Chaudhry. She claimed she had reported his misconduct while still at school, but no investigation was initiated at that time. She described how Chaudhry would read pornographic magazines and discuss sexual activities he had with other women, including details about an affair he had with a woman he worked with in a restaurant. She also recounted that he would brush past her deliberately, touching her arms and back, which she found uncomfortable and invasive. Her account emphasized her loss of trust in men and her reluctance to be alone with them.

Following these allegations, police launched an investigation after another victim came forward last year, prompted by a recent sexual assault incident in the area. The investigation led to the arrest of Chaudhry, who was subsequently brought to trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court. During the proceedings, he denied the charges, claiming that the victims were lying. Due to the sensitive nature of the case, the victims were required to testify from behind screens to protect their identities.

Chaudhry was found guilty of three charges related to lewd, indecent, and libidinous practices committed against the victims between October 2005 and November 2008. The court's verdict underscores the severity of his misconduct. He has been placed on the sex offenders register and is scheduled for sentencing next month. Chaudhry declined to comment on the case. The outcome of his sentencing will determine the extent of his legal repercussions for these serious allegations.