Description
A man has today been sentenced following a joint investigation by Cleveland Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU).
Hassan Hussain, 20, came to the attention of authorities in April 2024, when he used online digital platforms to talk to a child who he believed was 12 years old.
He sent the child intimate photos and videos of himself and asked whether they can meet, saying he could “meet any time” and “get the train” to her.
On 8th May 2024, Hussain was arrested and his mobile phone was seized which had a number of images of himself which matched with those sent in the chat.
A number of web searches were also found on his device including the terms “teen girls” and “chat rooms for 11-year-olds.”
He was charged with attempted sexual communication with a child and causing a child to watch/look at an image of sexual activity. He was bailed by the courts until his next court appearance.
Despite having to abide by a number of conditions, just a week after he was charged, Hussain continued his predatory offending by sending intimate photos of himself and talking sexually to a young child.
Hussain was once again arrested and further charged with engaging in sexual communication with a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and failing to comply with notification requirements.
He pleaded guilty to all offences and appeared at Teesside Crown Court on 30th January where he was jailed for six years with three years on extended licence.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Barnes from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) said:
“Hussain poses a significant risk to children and I’m pleased that he is now behind bars where he can’t cause any further harm.
“Despite being charged with child sex offences, he blatantly ignored conditions imposed on him and continued his predatory offending by targeting vulnerable children online.
“I hope this sends a strong message to anyone who commits these kind of crimes online that they are not invisible and we will ensure we do everything possible to bring them to justice.
“I’d encourage any child or young person who is concerned about someone they’re speaking to online, to tell someone about it or report it directly to the police.”
Temporary Detective Inspector Jo Sweeney from the NWROCU said: “This case shows just how determined our teams are when it comes to protecting children from online predators. These offenders think they can hide behind screens, but they’re not invisible - and we’ll keep doing everything we can to find them and stop them.”