Rapist jailed for trafficking and abusing girls
Rapist Jailed for Trafficking and Abusing Girls
Rapist jailed for trafficking and abusing - A 28-year-old shop worker, Bawan Harwe, has been sentenced to 29 years in prison for sexually abusing seven girls between the ages of 12 and 16. The court found him guilty of eight rape charges, along with two counts of arranging meetings with children after grooming, and two instances of false imprisonment. Additionally, Harwe was convicted of six counts related to organizing travel for exploitation. He had already admitted to one rape of a child under 13, three counts of producing indecent images, and one case of possessing extreme pornography.
Accomplice Absent at Hearing
Harwe’s accomplice, Sharam Muhamadi, did not attend the sentencing hearing at Sheffield Crown Court. The judge will determine his punishment at a future date. Muhamadi, an Iranian national, was found guilty of two counts of facilitating travel for exploitation. He was cleared of other similar charges and one rape count. The jury also returned a not guilty verdict on one sexual assault charge, as directed by the judge.
"The harm you have caused is of unimaginable proportions," stated Judge Sarah Wright during Harwe’s sentencing. "Their childhood and adolescence can never be reclaimed." Harwe, who has no fixed address, will serve a further three years on probation after his release.
During the trial, Harwe described his daily routine in Hexthorpe, where he worked at a convenience store and resided in an attic room with two others. He met Muhamadi in 2022 when the latter was employed at a nearby shop, and they shared a home. The court heard that Harwe manipulated his victims by offering money and e-cigarettes, often after giving them alcohol and drugs.
The youngest victim was just 12 years old. Public gallery attendees reacted with audible reactions when the sentence was announced. Muhamadi, who had been granted bail, failed to return to court, leading the judge to issue a warrant for his arrest. His defense team had previously secured bail with a £19,000 surety from Amin Haydar. However, Haydar was ordered to pay the sum within 28 days after Harwe missed the hearing.
A police spokesperson emphasized ongoing efforts to locate 21-year-old Sharam Muhamadi, stating: "Our officers have been working relentlessly, exploring every single line of enquiry with determination to secure justice for the victims." The trial revealed that Muhamadi arrived in the UK as an unaccompanied asylum seeker, was placed under social services care in Bradford, and later claimed asylum in 2021. His right to stay was confirmed in 2022, with a review scheduled for 2027. In 2023, he relocated to Doncaster and began working long shifts in a retail setting.
Crown Prosecution Service's Role
A spokesperson from the Crown Prosecution Service noted that they "robustly opposed bail applications made by the defence throughout the court process." The final decision to grant bail rested with the court, as per legal procedures.