Police handoutA paedophile who groomed a young girl then sexually abused and raped her 25 years ago has been jailed for 14 years.
Suaiel Haider, 43, from Bury, Greater Manchester, was 19 when he met his 15-year-old victim in 2000.
He gave her lifts to school then plied her with alcohol and cigarettes before sexually abusing her, Greater Manchester Police said.
Haider denied two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16 and four counts of indecent assault, but was convicted by jury at Manchester Crown Court.
Det Sgt Sarah Beale said: “The strength and courage of this survivor demonstrated while supporting our investigation and subsequent legal proceedings is commendable.
“It was incredibly brave of her to speak about the abuse, and this played a crucial role in ensuring Haider couldn’t get away with his crimes any longer and faced justice.”
She said Haider’s sentencing marked the conclusion “of a long and complicated investigation and I hope that brings a sense of closure to her”.
Det Sgt Beale added: “I hope this case provides confidence to anyone who has experienced child abuse that if they come forward, they will be listened to, and we will do everything we can to secure justice.”
Haider was given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and was ordered to register as a sex offender for life.
