A sex offender who lured a child online prior to meeting her in Swale has been incarcerated. Asif Mirza was apprehended with the victim in his vehicle following concerns expressed by a vigilant Kent Police officer.
In early 2024, Asif Mirza first reached out to the victim over social media and expressed empathy at her revelation of personal concerns.
After earning the girl’s trust, Asif Mirza coerced her into sending him explicit photographs.
They arranged to convene at a park in Sittingbourne on 2 August, and when the victim had malaise, he urged her to occupy the rear seat of his vehicle, which was stationed on Avenue of Remembrance.
Asif Mirza then covered the windows to obscure the view of anyone walking past and committed an indecent act in the girl’s presence.
At this point a member of police staff walked past the vehicle and thought it appeared suspicious. Officers were called to the scene and, after knocking on the car windows, Asif Mirza got out followed by the child.
He claimed she was his step-daughter but, when he was unable to give her full name, Asif Mirza admitted they had met online and he was arrested.
Asif Mirza, of Hubbards Close, Uxbridge, London, was later charged. At Maidstone Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to several offences including meeting a child following sexual grooming and sexual activity with a child.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.