Shop Worker Jailed for Sex Attack on Teen in Sydenham
Mohammed Daqiq, 26, an Afghan refugee working at Bargain World in Sydenham, was locked up for three years on Tuesday after sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in the shop’s back storage room.
“Their conversations had previously been polite and civil, so she wasn’t suspicious of his intentions.”
Once inside, Daqiq locked the door and forced the girl into the back room. Despite her attempts to escape, he hugged her, tried to kiss her, and sexually assaulted her. He even forced her hands onto his penis.
Judge Slams Defendant’s ‘Cowardice’ and False Claims
Judge Charlotte Welsh told Daqiq:
“She physically froze while you were doing this. From start to finish she told you to get off her, that she didn’t want it and that she wanted to go home. You ignored her pleas, telling her to calm down and that it was okay.”
After about three minutes, Daqiq let her leave. The girl reported the horrific attack to friends and then police immediately.
Daqiq denied the charges, but a jury found him guilty of two sexual assaults and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. Judge Welsh described the victim’s testimony as “clear, cogent, measured and compelling”, labelling Daqiq’s account “absurdly improbable.”
Victim’s Brave Stand Against Offender
The judge noted how the victim had unfairly blamed herself for going inside the shop that day, saying:
“She has wondered if she should have been less naïve. Nothing could be further from the truth. She could not have known your intentions.”
The teenager lost some confidence but took comfort in knowing her report stopped Daqiq from attacking again.
Judge Welsh slammed the defendant’s letter to the court, stating:
“It’s all about you, not her. Your only regret is for yourself and the risk of deportation.”
Deportation and Sexual Harm Prevention Order Follow
Daqiq arrived in the UK in 2022 seeking refuge from a tough life in Afghanistan, but the judge saw no link between his background and his crime.
He was sentenced to three years behind bars and slapped with a five-year sexual harm prevention order before being ordered deported from the UK.
