Predator Singh Used Free Cannabis Vapes and Booze to Groom Teen
Iqbal Singh, 45, exploited his Phone Repairs and Vape Store in Cheam to groom a vulnerable 14-year-old girl. He handed out free cannabis vapes and alcohol to win her trust. When she got drunk at a party and feared going home, she asked Singh if she could sleep at his shop. Instead, she woke up to find him raping her.
Repeat Offender with Shocking Track Record
Singh, who also goes by Tony, isn’t a one-time predator. He previously ran a vape shop in Hayes where he sexually assaulted another teenage girl in 2019. He was convicted for that offence in 2022.
The court revealed a chilling pattern. Singh targeted vulnerable young girls who came into his shops. Prosecutor Andrew Bousfield said, “He has used his vape shops to attract victims and clearly preferred girls who came in looking vulnerable.”
Victim Faces Her Abuser with Courage in Court
“The impact you had on me will be forever. I can never unsee, forget or forgive what you have done, but whilst you rot in prison… I am free. You have no control over my thoughts, my feelings, my life or my future,”
the victim said during sentencing. Now at university, she added, “I will graduate, control my future and become the person I want to be.”
Judge Delivers Heavy 22-Year Sentence, Warns of More Victims
Judge Tony Hyams-Parish handed Singh a massive 22-year sentence — 14 years in jail plus 8 years on licence — branding his crimes as “grooming” and confirming Singh poses a serious danger to young girls.
Detective Sergeant Toyene Lait, leading the investigation, warned more victims might be out there: “We remain concerned other survivors have not yet been identified. Anyone affected should contact police on 101.”
Family Warns Parents to Watch for Grooming Signs
The victim’s mother told this paper Singh manipulated her daughter with “free vapes claimed to be supplier samples.” She urges parents to stay alert for mood changes or unknown vapes in their children’s possession.
“The grooming started months after Singh took over the Cheam shop, just a year after he targeted his previous victim,” she said. “We fear there may be more victims.”
Singh’s Bizarre Social Media Moves Post-Conviction
Even after being convicted, Singh behaved strangely online. He liked two posts from his victim’s social media and posted: “Was going to fall in love again, then remembered the advice the judge gave me.”
Singh’s vape shops in Hayes and Cheam have since been sold and are no longer connected to him.
If you or someone you know may be a victim, contact the police on 101 immediately.
