Zabed Shah

In December 2015, Zabed Shah, a 27-year-old man from Oldham, targeted a vulnerable 14-year-old girl, supplying her with alcohol and class A drugs before taking her to a hotel in Manchester where he committed a sexual assault on her. Shah, along with his accomplice Abdul Latif, had lured the teenager under false pretences, exploiting her vulnerability to facilitate the assault.

The incident came to light when the victim contacted Greater Manchester Police shortly after the attack. Officers investigated and, a week later, arrested Shah and Latif at the same hotel, where they were found with two other underage girls aged 15 and 16. This discovery highlighted a pattern of predatory behaviour targeting young girls.

At Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Shah pleaded guilty to sexual assault on a child, attempting to pay for the sexual services of a child, and supplying class A drugs. He was sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years. PC Andy Barratt of Greater Manchester Police commented on the case, stating: "Shah preyed on vulnerable young girls, fuelling them with drink and drugs before trying to sexually exploit them." The sentencing was reported by the BBC on 23 August 2016, based on details from Greater Manchester Police and court records.

The case underscores the dangers of sexual exploitation in urban settings, with Shah's actions demonstrating a deliberate intent to harm minors through substance abuse and coercion. Latif, who encouraged Shah's behaviour, received a separate sentence for his role, but Shah's direct involvement in the sexual offences marked him as the primary perpetrator.