Runaway businessman jailed for 21 years over sex abuse of girls

Mohammed Nawaz, 57, disappeared in the middle of his trial in October, when he was convicted of four counts of rape and five indecent assaults on two girls.

Mr Justice Treacy, sitting at Teesside Crown Court yesterday, said Nawaz had shown a "total absence of shame, of recognition of what he has done and of remorse" and was probably now hiding somewhere in Pakistan.

He handed down an extended sentence of 16 years in prison plus another five years extension, subject to licence, because of the seriousness of the offending.

During his trial at Bradford Crown Court, the shamed businessman even got his children to lie on his behalf to fabricate a defence, the judge said.

Nawaz, of Flockton Road, East Bowling, Bradford, repeatedly preyed on one girl at a flat in Stanningley, Leeds.

The judge said: "These acts occurred on dozens and dozens of occasions, probably running into three figures." Nawaz would use bribes of cigarettes and slaps to coerce the child, and would sit in his car waiting for her to pass him in the street.

"This shows a degree of predatory ruthlessness towards an under-age girl," the judge said.

Nawaz also picked on a younger girl, aged 11, who was also abused.

The offending was prolonged and "committed in a manipulative and cynical way," said the judge.

The rapist even made his victim believe she was to blame and there has been lasting damage caused to her, the court heard.

Nawaz was held in high esteem in his local community, the court heard, having lived in the UK for 40 years and running a successful business.

The judge made a Sexual Offences Prevention Order which bans Nawaz from contacting either victim and prevents him from unsupervised contact with any girl under 16.

Nawaz will automatically be banned from working with children.

"I pass an extended sentence of 21 years, which comprises a custodial term of 16 years with a five year extension subject to licence," said the judge.

West Yorkshire Police appealed for anyone with information about Nawaz's whereabouts to contact them.

After the hearing Det Insp Mark Gaunt said: "While we are delighted with the sentence passed down today, our efforts have been and will continue to be concentrated on bringing Nawaz into custody.

"We believe Nawaz has fled the country and every effort is being made to locate him and ensure that he returns to serve his sentence."

Officers are working with Interpol and other agencies to secure Nawaz's capture.

Det Insp Gaunt said: "The victims of these horrendous offences have been fully updated with the situation by their liaison officer and are satisfied with the sentence and feel that justice has been done.

"We are extremely proud of these victims who have been an example to others in fighting to achieve the justice they deserve. I would strongly encourage anybody who has been subjected to abuse to report it."

Anyone with information about Nawaz's whereabouts is urged to contact police on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.