A man has been sentenced to 27 years for abusing a vulnerable child over several years
Teesside: A man named Mohammed Saddique has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for abusing a young child. He started targeting the victim when they were just 10 years old, and the abuse went on for several years.
Last April, the brave victim finally came forward, leading to an investigation by the Cleveland Police’s Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults Unit. They arrested Saddique, who faced multiple charges, including rape and making indecent images of a child.
When he appeared in court, he pleaded guilty to 19 different offences. The charges included serious crimes like causing a child to engage in sexual activity and false imprisonment.
On Thursday, the court handed down a hefty sentence. Along with the 27 years, he’ll be on an extended license for eight years after that. There’s also an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim, and he’ll be on the sex offenders register for life.
Detective Constable Melanie Phelps, who worked on the case, praised the victim for their courage in coming forward. She emphasized the lasting impact of Saddique’s actions and reassured anyone else suffering from abuse that help is available.
It’s a tough situation, but the message is clear: if you’ve been affected by abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out. There are people ready to listen and support you.