A man who groomed and assaulted a teenage girl in Stockport has been sentenced to 10 years in jail.

44-year-old Daniel Hashmi had sexually assaulted a female at his business premises on Wellington Road South in 2024.

He'd bought vodka and vapes for his victim, before blocking the door in a back room of the shop to prevent her from escaping.

Although he denied the offences, Hashmi was ultimately found guilty of of six offences against the same girl, including three counts of sexual assault on a female, two counts of attempted rape, and assault by penetration.

Hashmi had been arrested in December 2024 after the sister of a friend reported her suspicions to the police.

After a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Hasmi (of Audley Road, Levenshulme), was sentenced to 10 years in prison, and was given a restraining order and lifelong sexual harm protection order.

He'll also have to sign the sex offender's register for life.

Although he denied the offences, Hashmi was found guilty in a trial at Minshull Street Crown Court (Image - Nub News)

Detective Constable Ben Swapp, of Stockport's Complex Safeguarding Team, said: "The girl and her family have shown enormous courage, and we will continue to support them.

"Aspire social workers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) are working with the victim to help in rebuilding her life.

"GMP's Stockport Complex Safeguarding Team is a multi-agency team focused on protecting vulnerable children and young people from exploitation and harm.

"This team, which includes police officers, social workers, and other professionals, works to identify, assess, and respond to safeguarding concerns, particularly those related to child exploitation.

"We are absolutely committed to removing offenders like Hashimi from the streets, as the danger he poses to society, and particularly to children, is significant.

"Hopefully today's sentence and our investigation will give victims the confidence to report these types of crimes and trust us to investigate them thoroughly to bring the perpetrators to justice."

The victim herself made the following statement in court: "I thought I could trust him. He is an adult and they are meant to be protectors, but after this I will never trust anyone again.

"This has affected me more than anyone will ever know - I feel betrayed and completely let down.

"He has taken away the most important things that I will never get back - I feel used and that's the worst thing."

Where to get support

Greater Manchester Police also pointed out the following places to get help and advice if you or someone you know is experiencing sexual assault.

• Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
• We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
• It's Not Okay campaign tackling child sexual exploitation - https://www.itsnotokay.co.uk/