Muslim who was “respected Blackburn community figure” sexually assaulted 8-year-old girl

“JAILED: ‘Respected Blackburn community figure’ sexually attacked girl, 8,” by Peter Magill, Lancashire Telegraph, December 12, 2019:

A ‘RESPECTED community figure’ in Blackburn is beginning a six-year jail sentence after being convicted of sexual assaults on an eight-year-old girl.

Preston Crown Court heard that the attacks by Sabbir Ibrahim had shattered the youngster’s self-confidence.

She had also been physically sick at the prospect of having to relive her ordeal during a trial, the court was told.

Ibrahim, 66, had denied offences of assault by penetration and sexual assault but was convicted by jurors following an earlier hearing.

Prosecutor John Wyn Williams said that the eight-year-old had reported the penetration offence to her mother, almost immediately after it happened, and the police were called in.

It has also emerged that the father-of two had a separate previous sexual assault conviction, dating back to 2017, in relation to a 17-year-old girl.

Passing sentence, Judge David Potter said: “This was not the first time that you had shown an unlawful sexual interest in someone.”

He told the court how Ibrahim had approached his earlier victim from behind and placed his hands on her shoulders, before cupping her breasts and moving down to her crotch area. The teenage victim fled and also later reported him to police.

Judge Potter said he could only conclude, as a result of these cases, that the defendant had a sexual interest in young females

Referring to his most recent conviction, Judge Potter added: “The sexual abuse of young children is something which can cause emotional issues well into adulthood.”

Ibrahim, of Warrington Street, Little Harwood, will serve a six-year prison term, minus 95 days he had spent on a qualifying curfew during the most recent proceedings.

He must also sign the sex offenders register for life and will be the subject of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Gordon Cole QC, defending, said that not withstanding the fact his client maintained his denials of the most recent offences, he wished to challenge assertions in his pre-sentence report that he did not appreciate the impact the trial had on the complainant.

Mr Cole said: “He was quite specific in his account to me, that he was remorseful and sorry that the young girl had to come to court.”

Ibrahim had always been a hard-working man, Mr Cole told the court, and was a well-respected figure in his community.