Man who intimidated Rotherham CSE victim sentenced
18 year old Kaleem Ali from Rotherham's been sentenced for intimidating a grooming victim ahead of a trial involving his dad.
An 18-year-old man who intimidated a victim of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham ahead of the trial against his father has been banned from contacting her.
Kaleem Ali, of Clough Road, Masbrough, Rotherham, left the woman crying and shaking'' and fearing for her safety after he approached her and her children as they were stuck in traffic.
He has been sentenced at Rotherham Magistrates' Court after he was found guilty of witness intimidation at a trial.
Ali's dad - Qurban Ali - was jailed earlier this year by a judge who heard how 15 women were subjected to a horrific catalogue of trafficking, rape and violence.
On Tuesday, Mark Hughes, prosecuting, told magistrates in Rotherham that Ali had approached the woman in March last year as she was in her car with her children.
He said Ali addressed the woman and one child by name and appeared to start taking photographs of them on one mobile phone while using another to make a call.
Reading the woman's police statement, Mr Hughes said:
I truly believe this male wanted to scare me and it worked. I was crying and shaking. I was scared he was calling for other people to join him. I had my children with me and I feared for my safety.''
The statement continued:
Since this has happened, I've been even more paranoid of travelling around and avoid that area whenever possible.
I become really frightened if an Asian male comes near me because I think are they connected.''
Mr Hughes said the woman believed Ali's actions were directly linked to her involvement in the Rotherham child sexual exploitation (CSE) investigation.
He added:
Mr Ali did, in due course, accept he was the person who had been seen by the witness. He said he knew who she was, that she had accused his relative of things. He denied taking photographs and denied that his actions were intended to intimidate the occupants of the vehicle.''
Steve Smith, defending, said Ali had learning difficulties which left him unable to understand how people perceived him or his actions.
He said the defendant did not threaten the witness, swear or use abusive language towards her or her children.
Mr Smith said:
This is a case where he has not gone out to speak to this person. I think it is accepted that this was a chance meeting.''
Ali was handed a 12-month community order, a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, a 12-week curfew and electronic tag and a three-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the woman by any means.
He was also ordered to pay £360 costs.