Predator Nabbed in Dover Lorry Sting
Mezbaha Uddin, 39, was arrested by the National Crime Agency after being caught hiding in a lorry bound for France in Dover. The Sutton-in-Ashfield man was already under police investigation for a string of chilling offences spanning from September 2018 to July 2020.
Guilty of 16 Child Sexual Offences
A jury has found Uddin guilty of 16 child sexual offences, including 10 counts of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and six counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Sentencing will take place at a later date at Canterbury Crown Court.
Trapped by Online Decoy
The court heard how Uddin targeted an undercover account set up by an online child protection group. After he sent indecent images of himself and arranged to meet whom he believed was a 14-year-old girl in Mansfield, police swooped.
Officers seized his mobile phone and uncovered messages revealing attempts to groom over a dozen underage girls, sometimes arranging meetings. He also encouraged some victims to perform sexual acts while he watched.
Police Praise Rigorous Investigation
Detective Constable Stuart Dolby of Nottinghamshire Police’s public protection team said: “This was a complex and thorough investigation which included disturbing evidence for our officers to deal with. I am pleased with the verdicts and I hope they send a clear message that Nottinghamshire Police will do what is necessary to tackle these crimes and protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”
“Child sex offences of any kind are taken incredibly seriously. We have numerous tactics in place to catch offenders. No child should ever be subjected to any sexual offence – it’s our duty to protect them.”
