Online sex offender caught in Sittingbourne with young girl in his car

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A sex offender who groomed a child online before meeting her in Swale has been jailed. Asif Mirza was caught with the victim inside his car after concerns were raised by an alert Kent Police worker.

Mirza initially contacted the victim through social media at the start of 2024 and showed sympathy when she disclosed some personal issues that concerned her. Having gained the girl’s trust Mirza pressured her to send him some indecent images. They agreed to meet at a park in Sittingbourne on 2 August and, when the victim felt unwell, he encouraged her to sit in the rear of his car which was parked in Avenue of Remembrance.

Mirza then covered the windows to obscure the view of anyone walking past and committed an indecent act in the girl’s presence. At this point a member of police staff walked past the vehicle and thought it appeared suspicious. Officers were called to the scene and, after knocking on the car windows, Mirza got out followed by the child. He claimed she was his step-daughter but, when he was unable to give her full name, Mirza admitted they had met online and he was arrested.

Mirza, from Uxbridge, London, was later charged. At Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to several offences including meeting a child following sexual grooming and sexual activity with a child. On Tuesday 5 November, the 43-year-old was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Lucas Melella, said:

‘Mirza contacted a vulnerable child online and gained her trust by appearing to be a kind and sympathetic person. He then moved on to gaining indecent images and arranged to meet the victim for his own sexual gratification. Fortunately an alert Kent Police employee thought his car appeared suspicious and ensured this predator was swiftly detained while officers safeguarded the victim.
‘This case also acts as a reminder to parents of children who have mobile phones and tablets to speak to them and help them understand the precautions they should take when using the internet, or the many instant messaging services that are available. Children should only communicate with people that they know personally and report any suspicions or inappropriate advances from strangers to their parents, schools or the police.’