Mohammed Daqiq, 26, an Afghan refugee working at Bargain World in Sydenham, was sentenced to three years in prison on Tuesday. He sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in the shop’s back storage room.
Cold-Blooded Assault in Shop Storage Room
The teenager and Daqiq had previously shared polite, civil chats, making her unaware of his sinister intentions. Once inside the storage room, Daqiq locked the door. Despite her struggles, he forced himself on her—hugging her, trying to kiss her, and sexually assaulting her. He even forced her hands onto his penis.
“Their conversations had previously been polite and civil, so she wasn’t suspicious of his intentions.”
Judge Rips Into Defendant’s Cowardice and Lies
Judge Charlotte Welsh didn’t hold back in court:
“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.”
Daqiq finally let her go after about three minutes. The girl reported the attack to friends and police straight away.
Despite Daqiq’s denials, a jury found him guilty of two counts of sexual assault and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. Judge Welsh praised the victim’s testimony as “clear, cogent, measured and compelling” while dismissing Daqiq’s version as “absurdly improbable.”
Victim Stands Strong Despite Self-Blame
The victim had unfairly blamed herself for entering the shop that day. The judge made it clear:
“She has wondered if she should have been less naïve. Nothing could be further from the truth. She could not have known your intentions.”
Though shaken and having lost some confidence, the teenager found strength knowing her brave report stopped Daqiq from possibly harming others.
Judge Welsh slammed the defendant’s letter to the court:
“It’s all about you, not her. Your only regret is for yourself and the risk of deportation.”
Deportation and Sexual Harm Prevention Order to Follow
Daqiq came to the UK in 2022 seeking refuge from hardship in Afghanistan. Judge Welsh ruled there was no excuse or link between his background and his crime.
He was handed three years behind bars, issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order, and ordered deported once his sentence ends.
