Rochdale man jailed for sex offences

Thursday, 18 April 2019 16:00

A man who approached young girls in a Rochdale park before offering them cash in exchange for sex has been jailed.

Shahid Razzaq, 42, of Hare Street, Rochdale was sentenced to two years and three months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after pleading guilty to one count of attempting sexual assault of a girl aged over 16.

He also pleaded guilty to intentionally attempting to cause or incite a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

It emerged in August last year that Razzaq had approached a group of young girls, aged 15, 13 and 12, on the park and offered them money for sex and separately approaching a 16-year-old girl.

After being detained by a member of the public Razzaq was arrested and found to be carrying more than £300.

Detective Constable David Read of GMP’s Rochdale District said: “Razzaq exhibited a dangerous pattern of offending, which escalated from inappropriate and lewd advances towards a lone, young woman, to attempts at engaging in sexual activity with minors.

“I have little doubt that he set out that evening in the hope of finding a victim.

“His behaviour was disgraceful – the actions of an arrogant man who showed utter contempt for the girls he approached, who were simply minding their own business.

“We can be thankful for the intervention of the member of public, whose quick thinking and bravery in challenging the offender has helped bring this dangerous individual to justice.

“We’re pleased with today’s sentence and hope the girls involved can get on with their lives knowing that this man is off the streets.”

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