Inam Khan, of Troon Crescent, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, spent time in online chat rooms and on Snapchat, targeting young children while lying about his own age to build and manipulate trust.
On September 19, 2022, the 37-year-old travelled to Suffolk from his home to meet with a 14-year-old girl who he had spent time grooming online and through Snapchat.
Khan then took the victim to a nearby location, where he went on to rape her. A further attempted rape against the same victim was also reported to police.
Officers began working to track Khan and he was arrested on October 1, 2022.
He was later charged with two counts of rape, and one of attempted rape.
In a similar style to his previous offending, Khan began grooming a 12-year-old girl in Sussex, while he pretended to be just 16-years-old.
He went on to ask her for explicit photographs, stating he needed them to prove that she was a girl.
In the early hours of September 8, 2024, Khan made the long car journey to the 12-year-old’s address and bombarded her with messages to pressure her into meeting him.
He went on to abduct her and sexually assault her.
Six days later, Khan drove to the area again and unsuccessfully attempted to meet the victim.
In total, it is estimated that Khan travelled around 600 miles during these two trips.
The offences were later reported to police and Khan was arrested on November 25.
On November 27, he was charged with assaulting a girl under 13 by touching, taking a child so as to remove her from a person having lawful control, engaging in sexual communications with a child, and with meeting a child following grooming.
At his hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court later that same day, Khan was remanded into custody ahead of further hearings.
This year, on June 23, Khan’s trial began at Hove Crown Court and lasted for nine days.
On July 3, the jury returned verdicts of guilty on all counts regarding both the Sussex and Suffolk cases.
Khan was then remanded back into custody ahead of his sentencing on Monday, December 22, at Hove Crown Court, where he was jailed for 19 years, with three further years to be spent on licence.
Detective Sergeant, Matt Williamson, from Suffolk Police, said: “Inam Khan is a dangerous predator, using social media to identify and then meet vulnerable females, whom he then subjected to sexual assaults.
“This investigation was a complex and lengthy process, which also involved working jointly with Sussex Constabulary who had identified another victim.
“Khan’s horrific offending has caused untold suffering to his victims, which will have a long-lasting impact, not only for them, but also for their families.
“I would like to commend them for the extraordinary courage they have demonstrated in reporting this to the police, the support that they and their families have given to the investigation and for the considerable patience they have shown.
“I hope that some measure of justice and reassurance can be found following today’s outcome, not only to the victims and their loved ones, but also to other victims of sexual violence and those not yet ready to come forward.
“I would also like to thank DC Charlotte Blake, the officer in charge of the case. Her diligence and commitment to this investigation helped to ensure that the right outcome was reached for the victim.
“Targeting perpetrators of sexual assault and violence against women and girls is a priority for Suffolk Constabulary. We will not tolerate it and will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice and support victims of this type of criminality.”
Detective Sergeant, Jamie Ashford, from Sussex Police, said: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the victims and their families, whose courage in engaging with this investigation has been exceptional.
“The impact of Khan’s actions has been significant, and it is right that he is now facing the consequences of the harm he caused.
“This case highlights the very real dangers posed when children are approached online by individuals intent on grooming and sexual exploitation.
“Khan used digital platforms to manipulate trust, disguise his motives, and single out young people that he planned to harm.
“We encourage parents, carers and children to stay alert to the risks that can be present in these online spaces.
“Officers in Sussex worked swiftly to identify the risk Khan posed, and close collaboration with our colleagues in Suffolk was vital in ensuring that his pattern of predatory behaviour was fully uncovered.
“This outcome reflects the determination of both forces to protect vulnerable young people and to pursue offenders who seek to exploit them.
“We will continue to prioritise the safety of children within our communities, acting decisively whenever concerns are raised and doing everything we can to prevent predators from causing further harm.”
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