Drug dealer dragged girl skating home into bush

A 13-year-old girl was subjected to a "deeply distressing" kidnap and assault attempt as she was roller-skating home.

The teenager was out with a friend in Basildon when she was grabbed and forced to the ground by Mohammed Younas, who said he had a gun and knife. He fled shortly afterwards but police arrested him three days later after matching his DNA to that found on the girl's shoe.

British-born Younas, 31, of Bearsted Drive, Pitsea, was jailed for nine years after admitting kidnap and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

In an impact statement, the girl said: "I try to forget every day. I try not to think about it. But no matter how hard I try, it is always in my mind."

Younas, who also pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of criminal property and possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, was sentenced at a hearing at Basildon Crown Court on 5 August,

The victim had been spending time in Basildon visiting a shopping centre with a friend and roller-skating together on 30 April before making her way to Parkside where the attack happened.

After telling her mum what happened, Essex police arrested Younas on his doorstep on 3 May.

Younas initially denied everything during his police interviews, but later admitted it thanks to the consistency of the victim's account and after being confronted with the DNA findings, the force said.

A search of his home uncovered evidence of drug dealing, including a burner-style mobile phone, cocaine and cannabis plants.

Around 132g of cannabis, valued at approximately £780, and 66g of cocaine, valued at between £2,800 and £3,400, were also recovered.

In an impact statement, the victim said she was worried about how the incident would affect her future relationships.

"I think that this will affect me for the rest of my life. I don't know how I'm supposed to trust anyone," she said.

PC Lily Dyer, said: "This was a deeply distressing incident for a young girl and her family, who found themselves dealing with something no-one should ever have to experience.

"I hope today's sentence provides some measure of comfort to the victim and her family."

Younas was also handed a 15-year restraining order prohibiting contact of any kind with the victim, and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order spanning 18 years. He will be subject to notification requirements for life.

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