Three Sentenced For Kidnap Of Teen And Sex Offences
26 April 2013, 12:26 | Updated: 26 April 2013, 16:50
Three men have been sentenced to a total of 28 years following the abduction of a 13-year-old girl.
The group trafficked the girl from her home in London to Ipswich in July last year, where she was then subjected to a string of assaults.
The victim was located at and address in Chevallier Street, Ipswich on 13 July 2012 and disclosed details of several offences to officers. Four men were consequently arrested and later charged.
All four men appeared at Norwich Crown Court where they were found guilty of the offences put to them. Their details and sentences are as follows:
Mohamed Sheikh, a 32-year-old of Seaton Point, London, was found guilty of trafficking offences, drug offences and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. He was sentenced to eight years.
Suran Uddin, a 26-year-old of St Matthews Row, London, was found guilty of trafficking offences, drug offences and two counts of rape. He was sentenced to 15 years.
Hamza Ali, a 39-year-old of Chingford Road, London was found guilty of trafficking offences and sexual assault. He was sentenced to five years.
Abdul Hammed, a 47-year-old of Wellington Street, Ipswich was acquitted at court in February.
Detective Inspector Tonya Antonis said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the trial. This has been a very difficult time for a very troubled young victim who suffered terrible abuse at the hands of these men. We hope this sends out a message to all those who commit such crimes that we will deal robustly. Such offences remain a priority for Suffolk Constabulary, we work very closely with our partner agencies to support victims and bring those responsible to justice.”
And Detective Inspector Tonya Antonis spoke to Heart's Hannah Griffiths outside Norwich Crown Court: