Nelson teen’s sex abuse of girl (12) he met on Facebook

Hamiza Ali (19), of Elizabeth Street, Nelson, appeared at Burnley Crown Court today after pleading guilty to four counts of sexual activity with a child.

Ali approached the 12-year-old on Facebook in May 2011. They met several times in the Nelson area where he sexually abused her. He was arrested after an investigation by Pennine Division’s Freedom Team, a dedicated unit set up to tackle the sexual exploitation of young people in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale.

DS Sheralyn Melton from Pennine Division’s Freedom Team said: “We are committed to targeting those who pose a threat to our children and as a result we will always act quickly to arrest those involved.

“I hope this serves as a warning to those who try to groom children and teenagers online, that there is a chance we are watching you and if you do commit an offence you will be caught and put before the courts.

“People should be left in no doubt that, if they try to groom children in this way, we will find them and bring them to justice.”

DS Melton added: “We would advise parents to monitor the internet use of their children and reiterate the dangers of making new friends in chat rooms on the internet or engaging in conversations with people they do not know.”

Anyone who has concerns about contact their children have had via the internet should contact Lancashire Police on 101. Information about such activity can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111