Birmingham Predator Jailed for Abducting Girl in 10-Second Window
A sex predator who exploited a fleeting ten-second opportunity to abduct a five-year-old girl from a Birmingham street has been handed a significant prison sentence. Abdulraziq Mohammed, aged 38 and residing in Winson Green, was convicted following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court for false imprisonment with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault.
Frantic Search and Horrific Discovery
The incident unfolded on March 30 last year when Mohammed, under the influence of alcohol and synthetic cannabis known as mamba, made disturbing and sexualised comments to the girl's mother in the street. Judge Kerry Maylin noted that the mother had been vigilantly watching her daughter but looked away for less than ten seconds, during which Mohammed seized the child.
A frantic search ensued, with the mother and her friend checking local shops and a nearby park. The mother soon heard her daughter's cries emanating from Mohammed's house of multiple occupation. Upon banging on the door and window, she witnessed the horrifying scene inside.
Brave Intervention and Rescue
The mother's friend attempted to climb through the window but was assaulted by Mohammed and forced back outside. A neighbour, alerted by the commotion, helped force open the door. Inside, they found Mohammed without a top and wearing trousers that fell down, revealing he had no underwear on. The girl was rescued and returned to her mother.
Upon her rescue, the young victim stated, "The stranger hurt me, he pulled my clothes down and hurt me." Since the attack, she has exhibited complex behavioural problems, including anger and aggression, a stark contrast to her previously happy-go-lucky nature.
Sentencing and Previous Offences
At the sentencing hearing on Friday, March 13, Mohammed was given an 11-year custodial term, of which he must serve two-thirds before being considered for release. He will also be subject to a four-year extended licence period. The court confirmed his age as 38, correcting earlier records that listed him as 32.
Mohammed had also admitted to further offences, including an attack on a father and son in Lozells five days prior to the abduction. In that incident, he lay on their car bonnet, removed a windscreen wiper to use as a weapon, and bit the son while attempting to bite the father.
Impact and Lack of Insight
Judge Maylin emphasised the profound impact of Mohammed's actions, extending beyond the young victim to her parents and wider family. The mother has been left devastated by feelings of guilt, despite the court acknowledging she could not have prevented the abduction in such a brief moment.
A probation report indicated Mohammed showed little insight into his offending. Defence counsel Amy Jackson cited his physical and mental health difficulties, coupled with cannabis misuse, and mentioned trauma from his background in Sudan. However, she conceded there was relatively little mitigation available.
This case underscores the severe consequences of predatory behaviour and the bravery of those who intervened to protect a vulnerable child in the community.
