Pervert Grops Girl in Shop as Cousin Watches
Abdul Gani, 32, from Everton, has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a young girl in a Kirkdale newsagent. The vile attack happened in Jim’s News on Fountains Road while the girl was with her nine-year-old cousin.
Shock as Gani Watches, Then Gropes Twice
Prosecutor Olivia Beesley told liverpool/" title="Liverpool" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Liverpool Crown Court that the girl was picking out crisps when Gani casually walked past and groped her bottom. He then turned, winked, and smiled at the terrified victim.
“He was nearby when she approached the till. After paying, she walked past him again and he groped her bottom a second time,” said Ms Beesley.
The girl ran out in shock, but bravely returned to fetch her unsuspecting cousin. Once home, she told her uncle what had happened, prompting him to demand CCTV footage from the shop.
Police Called as Gani Found Assaulted Outside Home
The footage identified Gani, who denied the allegations, claiming he was at home with others. Police were called, only to find Gani unconscious outside his address after being assaulted himself.
Gani, originally from Sudan, was convicted of sexually assaulting a child by touching after a magistrates’ trial. His case was moved to Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing due to the severity of the offence.
Judge Calls Gani ‘Dangerous Criminal’ and Sends Him Down
Gani refused to leave his prison cell or cooperate with probation ahead of sentencing. He even sacked his lawyer during the trial, forcing the judge to proceed in his absence.
“He poses a high risk of causing serious harm and committing further sexual offences,” Judge Stuart Driver, QC, said.
The judge sentenced Gani to 10 months in jail. While unable to issue a longer sentence due to no previous qualifying offences, Gani faces 10 years on the Sex Offenders Register.
He was also slapped with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order. The judge noted the crime’s impact was worsened by the presence of the girl’s young cousin.
