Tarek Miah, a 20-year-old man who raped young girls after grooming them on social media, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. The offences took place in West Sussex, with victims as young as nine.
Victims and Abuse Details
Miah, formerly of Salvington, Worthing, admitted four counts of rape of a girl under 13 between 2023 and 2024. His first victim was an autistic 12-year-old girl. The second victim was nine when he began grooming her. Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Miah started speaking to his first victim on social media when he was 17. He picked her up in his car, drove her to a friend's house, and committed the offences there. The abuse later continued in the back of a car and on his bed. He began grooming his second victim when he was 18 and she was nine.
Cultural Context and Court Remarks
Miah moved to the UK from Bangladesh at age three. Prosecutor Steven Molloy noted that Miah's probation report suggested his culture 'may affect his attitude' towards girls. Molloy added: 'He moved here when he was three so he should have, as the probation report calls it, English moral values and laws.' Judge Michael Bowes KC stated that a pre-sentence report found repeated sexual offences of girls were likely, and that Miah posed 'a very high risk against the public'.
Defence and Prosecution Arguments
When interviewed by police, Miah described his actions as 'messing around', 'a silly mistake', and 'typical experimentation' for someone his age. Defence barrister Abigail Bright argued that Miah had apologised, and that his young age, lack of maturity, and previously clean record should be considered. However, prosecutor Molloy countered that the risk Miah posed to girls was 'noted as very high and imminent'.
Full List of Convictions
Miah admitted four counts of rape of a girl under 13, two counts of false imprisonment, one count of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in penetrative sexual activity, one count of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity, causing a child under 13 to watch or look at an image of sexual activity, and one count of making an indecent image of a child.
Police Response
Detective Constable Peter Parkinson said: 'Tarek Miah is a dangerous offender who deliberately targeted young girls. We are very pleased with the sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and hope this outcome brings some measure of closure to the victims and their families. I would also like to commend the children who came forward and showed immense courage in standing up to their abuser. Their bravery has ensured that Tarek Miah is serving a significant custodial sentence and has prevented him from harming other children.'
