Mohammad Imran Shabbir

A former employee of the Metropolitan Police has been convicted of a serious sexual offence against a vulnerable teenager in Colindale, north-west London. Mohammad Imran Shabbir, aged 34 at the time of the trial, and his younger brother Muhammad Farhan Shabbir, aged 25, appeared at Harrow Crown Court where they were found guilty of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl. The convictions, handed down on 24 October 2013, highlight the ongoing efforts by authorities to protect children from exploitation.

The court heard detailed evidence regarding the assaults. For Mohammad Imran Shabbir, the offence occurred in May 2011 at a residential address in Colindale. His brother, Muhammad Farhan Shabbir, was convicted of a separate sexual assault on the same victim, which took place between January and March 2011. The abuse was uncovered when the victim bravely disclosed the incidents to a teacher at her school, prompting an immediate investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Child Abuse Investigation Command.

Following the disclosures, Muhammad Farhan Shabbir was arrested at his home on 14 December 2011, while Mohammad Imran Shabbir surrendered himself at Wembley Police Station shortly thereafter. Both men were released on bail as enquiries continued, and they were formally charged on 26 June 2013. During the trial, the brothers were acquitted of an additional charge of sexual assault relating to the same girl, but the jury found sufficient evidence to convict them on the primary counts.

Detective Constable Luke Williams, leading the investigation for the Child Abuse Investigation Command, commended the victim's courage in coming forward. In a statement released by the Metropolitan Police, he said: 'The vulnerable young victim in this case showed great courage in coming forward. The Metropolitan Police will tirelessly pursue offenders who exploit the most vulnerable in society.' This case underscores the importance of safeguarding measures in educational settings and the police's commitment to prosecuting child sex offenders.

Sentencing for both men is scheduled for 22 November 2013 at Harrow Crown Court. The proceedings were reported by the Times Series on 25 October 2013, drawing attention to the betrayal of public trust by a former police staff member involved in such crimes. No further details on the specific nature of the assaults beyond 'sexual assault' were disclosed in open court to protect the victim's identity.