Hamoud Al-Soaimi

Hamoud Al-Soaimi, aged 21 from Byker, was convicted as a co-accused in a child sexual exploitation case investigated by Northumbria Police, involving the abuse of two girls aged 12 to 14. The victims' courageous reports in 2019 triggered a complex, long-running operation that exposed the group's predatory behaviour.

Following the victims' disclosures, Northumbria Police's specialist team conducted extensive investigations, leading to Al-Soaimi's arrest and charges for sexual offences against children. He denied the allegations during a four-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court, but was found guilty by the jury on 9 October 2023, alongside his co-defendants.

• Al-Soaimi was convicted of three counts of sexual assault and one count of assaulting a child under 13 by penetration.
• These offences formed part of a broader pattern of exploitation that caused profound harm to the young victims.

At sentencing on 1 March 2024 in Newcastle Crown Court, Al-Soaimi received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also issued a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, a lifetime restraining order, and required to register on the Sex Offenders’ Register for 10 years. Detective Inspector Simon Drenon of Northumbria Police stated: “I want to take this opportunity to urge our communities to speak to us and report any information they have around child sexual exploitation. If you have any concerns please get in touch with officers immediately and help prevent other children from becoming victims of these vile acts.”

Senior Crown Prosecutor Claire Wright from the CPS North East RASSO Team reflected on the case's impact: “Those sentenced were responsible for a devastating campaign of sexual abuse against two vulnerable young girls. ... Both girls have shown tremendous courage in providing evidence against their assailants, which has been instrumental in helping us build such a robust case against them.” Although his sentence was suspended, the measures imposed aim to prevent future offending, in line with Northumbria Police's efforts to safeguard children.