Blackburn paedophile jailed after 14-year-old victim found under a duvet on his bed

A PAEDOPHILE, whose 14-year-old victim was found under a duvet on his bed, has been sent to prison.

Zeeshan Bashir, of Revidge Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child.

He was given a 52-week jail term when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

A count of detention of a child was left to lie on file.

Bashir was also made subject to a sexual offences prevention order for five years, sex offenders certification for 10 years and a barring order.

Speaking after the hearing, Det Sgt Mark Whelan, from the public protection unit, said the victim had been reported missing from home and when they went round to his house to look for her, he denied she was there.

He said: “We searched the house and found her under the duvet in his bed.

“She said he had also kissed one of her friends.

“Bashir knew that what he was doing was wrong and therefore he can only be classed as someone who deserves a prison sentence.

“The victims are now getting all the support they need from the Engage Team.”

The team, which aims to tackle child sexual exploitation, is based at Greenbank Police Station, Blackburn.

 It was set up as a multi-agency partnership in March 2008 to address child sexual exploitation in Blackburn and Darwen.