A teaching assistant who was supposed to help a young girl in care learn sexually abused her instead. Aasim Qureshi has now been locked up after admitting to sexual activity with the child he was meant to be looking after.
Offences in Bradford care home
Qureshi, 37, of High Park Crescent in Bradford, admitted three counts of sexual activity with a girl aged 15 to 16. The offending took place in a care home in Bradford District in 2021.
On Friday, he was sentenced to 16 months in jail at Bradford Crown Court. The victim's personal statement was read out in court: “Qureshi was supposed to help me learn but he abused me. I was in care and he took advantage of me.
“I feel like everything was my fault, I felt betrayed. I want him to know how much the events of the past few years have impacted me.”
Victim's statement and police response
“He knew what he was doing, he was the adult in the situation. I want him to know how much him delaying the court proceedings has left me feeling in complete despair. I want to move on, but I am struggling.”
Detective Inspector Majahid Ashruff of Bradford’s Child Vulnerability Exploitation Team, said: "This was a serious breach of trust by an individual who was in a position of responsibility towards a vulnerable child.
"Qureshi exploited his role to groom and sexually abuse a young person who should have been safe within an educational setting.
Police commend victim's bravery
“I would like to commend the bravery and courage it took for her to come forward and report these crimes. It has been a long process for her. Her account was instrumental in bringing Qureshi to justice and I hope today’s sentence can bring her closure on the ordeal as she starts to rebuild her life.
“West Yorkshire Police remains committed to safeguarding children and pursuing those who seek to exploit them. We encourage anyone who has concerns about child sexual exploitation or child criminal exploitation to report them to police.
“The Child Vulnerability Exploitation Team investigates offences involving child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation. Dedicated officers work alongside partner agencies to safeguard children and bring offenders to justice.”
Anyone wishing to report concerns relating to child exploitation can contact West Yorkshire Police via the Live Chat options or 101, or 999 in an emergency.
