Benwell MUSLIM appears in court to face sex offence charges

Abdul Kawsar joins 20 more suspects who were charged earlier this month as part of Operation Sanctuary.

A man has appeared in court accused of sex offences as part of the Operation Sanctuary probe.

Abdul Kawsar joins a further 20 suspects who were charged earlier this month following a 13-month investigation into allegations of offences committed against vulnerable women and girls across the North East.

The 34-year-old was in the dock for a brief hearing at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court where he entered no pleas to one allegation of sexual assault and one of administering a substance with intent to stupefy or overpower to allow sexual activity.

The court heard the charges related to a female victim, aged over 16.

So far, 31 people have been charged as part of the operation.

Kawsar, of Fairholm Road, Benwell, was bailed so his case could be heard alongside the 20 other suspects, who have already been sent to Newcastle Crown Court.

Sue Baker, prosecuting, said Kawsar’s alleged offences date from February 4, 2014.

She said: “The defendant is charged under the sexual offences act, which should be sent to the crown court. This is part of Operation Shelter, which is part of Northumbria Police’s Operation Sanctuary.

“The other co-defendants are due before the crown court on January 17 next week. I would ask that this defendant is sent to appear on the same date.”

Kashif Khan, defending, made no representations.

Kawsar was released on conditional bail until his next appearance at Newcastle Crown Court on February 17.

Speaking after the previous 20 suspects were charged earlier this month, Deputy Chief Constable Steve Ashman, who is leading the investigation, said: “Today marks a milestone in this operation. Since the first allegations were made over a year ago we have painstakingly left no stone unturned in our efforts to investigate all allegations.

Deputy Chief Constable of Northumbria Police Steve Ashman talks about Operation Sanctuary
“We have worked closely with a range of other agencies including the local authority and CPS to reach this point. We are limited in what we can say as we must now protect the integrity of the criminal proceedings and must avoid any statements that could breach legal restrictions and put prosecutions at risk.

“To date, this part of the investigation has involved speaking to over 100 potential complainants, a dozen of whom have been identified as victims in relation to today’s charges.

“This has been done carefully with support from other professionals and I must commend them all for their bravery in working with us.

“The welfare of victims is our priority and we have worked closely with other agencies to ensure they have the appropriate support in place.

“Operation Sanctuary will not end. It is a wide ranging investigation into many different crimes of a sexual nature against vulnerable women and girls. Today’s charges are just one element of this.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to report such crimes to police to do so. They will be believed and they will be supported.

“We have had tremendous support from the public and businesses and we need this to continue. I would urge people to be vigilant and if something doesn’t look or feel right I would ask them to contact us.

“Some people or groups may try to use Operation Sanctuary to build resentment. Our community has a history of harmonious relations and is one of tolerance. Anyone experiencing hate crime should report it to police and be reassured we will investigate thoroughly.

“By working together, we can continue to ensure out towns and cities are safe places to live, work and visit.”