SEXUAL PREDATOR WHO TRAILED GIRL AND MOLESTED HER HAS BEEN JAILED

A sexual predator who followed a teenage girl then sexually assaulted her has been jailed.

Umar Iqbal, 25, approached the 16-year-old in Rochdale at around 3.30pm on Thursday, March 5, this year.

Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Iqbal first walked after her along Yorkshire Street in the town centre.

He then attempted to talk to her, but she felt uneasy and walked away.

Iqbal told her he liked her and asked if she had a boyfriend.
He took hold of her hand, pulled her towards a garage area and attempted to kiss her.

The victim said no and pulled away, but Iqbal sexually assaulted her.

She reported it to the police the next day and officers traced Iqbal.


Umar Iqbal preyed on his victim as she walked along Yorkshire Street in Rochdale

Iqbal, of Ipswich Street, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to sexual assault at an earlier hearing and appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, May 4.

A judge sentenced him to three years in prison and he was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

He's also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Det Cons Ben Harris, of Rochdale’s Sunrise Child Sexual Exploitation Team, said: “Iqbal is a sexual predator who followed a 16-year-old girl and sexually assaulted her. I want to commend the girl for coming forward and supporting our investigation.

“Help and support will always be there for people who want to come forward and report sexual offences or speak to someone about concerns they may have.

“Thankfully Iqbal is now behind bars where he can’t target any more women.”