Junedh Ahmed was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court today (Friday, September 5) having previously been found guilty of 14 offences following a three-week trial back in July.
Among the 14 offences were the rape of a child under the age of 13, taking indecent photographs of a child, and causing another child to engage in sexual activity.
One of the victims bravely came forward to disclose the abuse to officers, which led to an investigation being launched, which uncovered a disturbing pattern of grooming, coercion, and sexual violence.
Ahmed’s abuse took place between December 2020 and February 2022, during which time the 26-year-old gained the trust of one of the victim’s families and managed to gain unsupervised access to the child.
Ahmed proceeded to groom the girl with gifts, alcohol, and emotional manipulation, before subjecting her to repeated sexual abuse and recorded several instances on his mobile device.
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A second girl was also identified as a victim in the case as investigators conducted a thorough digital analysis reviewing social media data, search history, and mobile phone downloads to build a strong evidential package.
This investigative work was conducted despite Ahmed refusing to provide the code for his mobile phones, leading to him being convicted of a criminal offence for failing to comply with the investigation by preventing police from reviewing the data contained on his devices.
As part of sentencing proceedings, the girl who came forward to police shared a personal impact statement, which read: “Jay Ahmed made me lose pieces of my childhood I can never get back.
“There were times I felt like I was drowning in silence — too scared to speak, too ashamed to ask for help.
“It’s taken a lot of strength just to speak these words. But I’m speaking them because I need the court — and the world — to understand what this kind of harm does.”
Her mother also provided an impact statement, which read: “I have watched my daughter battle pain and confusion no child should ever know.
“As her mother, I have fought every day to remind her she is not broken; she is strong, she is loved, and this was never her fault.
“Jay Ahmed betrayed our trust, damaged a young girl’s life, and many other young girls and shook our family to the core.”
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Ahmed, of Shield Close, Oldham, was sentenced to 16-and-a-half years in prison, was handed an indefinite restraining order, must sign the sex offender registry for life and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years.
Detective Constable Emma Davidson, who led the investigation, said: “Ahmed led a calculated and sustained campaign of abuse against a young girl. The courage she has shown — not only in coming forward to report what happened, but in going through the difficult process of a trial — has been extraordinary.
“Her strength has helped bring a dangerous offender to justice, and we hope this outcome brings her some measure of healing.
“Our complex safeguarding team was pivotal throughout this case and built strong relationships with the victims and their families throughout the investigation, as well as provided access to tailored support.
“Having co-located multiagency teams are central to our proactive approach to protecting children and preventing further harm.”
If in doubt, report it
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
– Saint 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 help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk.
– 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