Man from Rochdale jailed for online child sex offences

A man from Rochdale has been jailed for two years and seven months for online child sex offences.

Kashif Mahmood, 37, appeared at Minshull Crown Court today (Monday 10 February) where he was sentenced to two years and seven months imprisonment after pleading guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, arranging/facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and attempting to meet a child following grooming.

He was also given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be on the Sex Offenders Register for life. 

The court heard that on 26 June 2024, detectives from the East Midlands Specialist Operations Unit contacted the NWROCU to inform them that they had identified a man from Rochdale who had been engaging in sexual communications with a child via a social media messaging app.

Mahmood, who claimed to be 25, requested the location of the child and first asked for friendship. As the conversations progressed, he suggested meeting up and detailed the sexual activities he wanted to conduct.

NWROCU detectives took over the investigation and arrested Mahmood in Manchester City Centre the following day (27 June 2024) while he was waiting in his car to meet a child he had groomed online. 

Detective Constable Adam Cronshaw from the NWROCU said: 

"When we arrived to arrest Mahmood, his car was locked, and he was desperately trying to remove content from his mobile phone. We were forced to smash the window and remove him from the vehicle to seize his phone before he could delete any evidence of his actions. When we searched Mahmood, we seized two condoms from his back pocket which clearly demonstrates his intent. 

"Offenders like Mahmood believe they can hide behind a computer or phone screen and avoid conviction, but this is clearly not the case. We collaborate with law enforcement across the country to safeguard children from danger, whether it occurs in person or online. 

“I hope this conviction will act as a reminder that there are no borders when it comes to sexual abuse, it can happen anywhere and the impact is devastating.

“If you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police."

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support:

NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail [email protected].
Childline – call 0800 1111

If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.