Faisal Khan

Faisal Khan, a 20-year-old man from the Chadderton area of Oldham, Greater Manchester, has been jailed for four years and 10 months following his conviction on three counts of sexual activity with a child. The offences, which took place between January and October 2022, involved the grooming and sexual exploitation of a 14-year-old girl. Khan, who was 19 at the time, initiated contact with the victim via Snapchat, building a relationship that quickly escalated into abusive behaviour.

The court heard detailed accounts of how Khan manipulated the young girl, picking her up in various vehicles to facilitate encounters where he engaged in sexual activity. He further exploited her vulnerability by supplying cannabis, alcohol, and nitrous oxide balloons, creating a pattern of control and dependency. The victim later described the relationship as initially seeming 'cute' but turning 'sour', highlighting the emotional toll of the grooming process. This case underscores the dangers of online grooming, with Khan using social media platforms to target and isolate the minor.

In addition to his custodial sentence, Khan was placed on the sex offenders register for life and received an indefinite restraining order against the victim, as well as a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) to restrict his future behaviour and protect the public. The sentencing took place on 26 June 2023 at a court in Greater Manchester, following a thorough investigation by the Oldham Complex Safeguarding Team of Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

DC Natalie Wood from the Oldham Complex Safeguarding Team commented on the case, stating: 'As Khan begins his sentence, I would like to thank the victim, who has been supportive of this prosecution. She has been very brave and shown such strength for someone so young. Today’s sentencing doesn’t make up for what she has been through but I hope that it goes someway to help her healing process.' GMP emphasised their commitment to investigating all reports of sexual assault, ensuring that perpetrators like Khan are held accountable and removed from the streets to prevent further harm.

The prosecution's evidence, including digital communications and witness statements, was pivotal in securing the guilty verdict. This incident reflects broader concerns about child sexual exploitation (CSE) in the UK, where offenders often use technology to groom vulnerable children. Sources: Greater Manchester Police official news release, dated 26 June 2023.