28-year-old man who groomed girl online is jailed for rape in Trafford

Following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Trafford Complex Safeguarding Team, a 28-year-old man has been jailed for rape.

On February 5 2024, Mohammed Mughal (DOB: (30/12/1995) was convicted of rape and sexual assault and today (Friday 8 March 2024) he appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court where he was sentenced to nine years in jail.

The offences took place in April 2020 against a girl who was 16 years-old at the time.

Mughal first contacted the victim on Facebook when she was 15-years-old and the two communicated online for a time. Then Mughal asked the victim to meet him.

On 15 April 2020, Mughal took the victim to an address in Levenshulme where he gave the victim cannabis. He then locked her in the address and raped her.

Following this attack, Mughal continued to message the victim on Instagram and on 12 May 2020 he asked the victim to meet him again and picked her up in his car.

The victim feared for her safety and asked the suspect to take her to an address in Old Trafford and whilst he drove, she managed to contact the police and communicate to them where Mughal was taking her.

When Mughal arrived at the address, he found the police waiting for him and was arrested under section 49 of the Children Protection Act.

Following an extensive investigation, which included the gathering of forensic evidence, Mughal was convicted of rape.

Detective Constable Amy Brookes of Trafford Complex Safeguarding Team said: “I want to thank the victim for her bravery in reporting what happened to police and supporting the investigation to put a dangerous sexual predator behind bars.

“Mughal preyed on the girl for his own sexual gratification. His attack was calculated as he sought the young victim out online and used typical grooming behaviour to build her trust and isolate her.

“Throughout the trial Mughal has failed to acknowledge the pain and trauma his actions have inflicted on a young girl. I am therefore relieved the sentence reflects the severity of his crime and utter lack of remorse.

“Finally, I want to thank the victim for contacting police on the night Mughal was arrested and putting her trust in GMP to help her. I'd also like to appeal to anyone who has suffered abuse to report it to police, or a support agency, so we can help you.”

Support Available

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on our website (www.gmp.police.uk) using the 'report' tool. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester that can help and provide support for you. For more information on rape and serious sexual assault and the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.

Support for Rape and Sexual Assault:

St. Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre - Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis - is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

Survivors Manchester - provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

Support for Domestic Abuse:

SafeLives.org.uk
Providing domestic abuse support and guidance.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Free 24-hour helpline, guidance and support for victims.

National Centre for Domestic Violence
Provides a free service that lets anyone who has recently suffered from, or been threatened with, domestic abuse apply for an emergency court injunction.