Assef Naseri

A 30-year-old man from Croydon, Assef Naseri, has been sentenced to three years in prison following his guilty plea to child abduction and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15. The case, investigated by Cheshire Constabulary, centred on Naseri's calculated efforts to meet and exploit a vulnerable 15-year-old girl whom he had been communicating with online.

The incident unfolded in March 2025 when the victim was in Chester city centre. CCTV footage captured Naseri, who had travelled from Croydon to Cheshire specifically to meet her, approaching the girl. Despite being fully aware of her age through their prior online interactions, Naseri proceeded with the meeting. The pair then travelled to Chester Bus Station, where they boarded a coach bound for London. Additional CCTV from the coach showed Naseri kissing the victim during the journey, providing clear evidence of his inappropriate conduct.

Four days after the initial meeting, police located the victim in Croydon in the company of Naseri. He was arrested on suspicion of child abduction and was wearing the same clothing as seen in the Chester CCTV images, further corroborating the evidence against him. Naseri, who had no fixed abode at the time of sentencing, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, 4 December 2025, where he received his custodial sentence.

In addition to the three-year prison term, Naseri was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and required to sign the Sex Offender Register for the same duration. Detective Constable Laura Lee of Cheshire Constabulary commented on the case, stating: "Naseri was well aware of the age of the victim but despite this, took the time to make a calculated plan to meet her in Chester, travelling all the way to Cheshire to do so. Once there he took her back to his home on the other end of the country. I hope the sentence handed down to him reassures the public that we are committed to protecting vulnerable people and children from those who would exploit them." This investigation underscores the dangers of online grooming and the swift action taken by authorities to safeguard children.