What Happened?
Five men have been sentenced to prison for orchestrating a series of robberies using the dating app Grindr to target victims. Over a 10-month period, the gang lured men under the pretense of a date before assaulting and robbing them. The crimes occurred in Birmingham and Derby, with the group stealing approximately £100,000.
The Gang's Tactics
The men used Grindr, a dating app popular in the LGBTQ+ community, to connect with victims.
Victims were ambushed upon arrival, often suffering violent assaults.
The gang also deceived passersby into assisting them by pretending to be injured, only to rob them as well.
Tactics included holding victims captive, threatening them with weapons, and stealing money, vehicles, ID documents, and house keys.
Impact on Victims
Many victims suffered severe physical injuries, including broken bones and dislocated joints. Some were detained for hours, fearing for their lives, while the gang transferred money from their accounts. The psychological and physical trauma left lasting effects, according to police reports.
Sentences Delivered
At Birmingham Crown Court, the men received sentences ranging from 12 to 17 years:
Demalji Hadza: 16 years, 2 months
Abubaker Alezawy: 16 years, 5 months
Ali Hassan: 16 years, 9 months
Wasim Omar: 17 years, 3 months
Mohammed Sharif: 12 years
Judge Sarah Buckingham stated that the sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes and their impact on the victims.
Police and CPS Statements
Detective Inspector Tom Lyons commended the bravery of the victims for coming forward, saying their testimony was crucial in building a strong case. Georgina Davies from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) emphasized that the crimes were prosecuted as hate crimes due to the targeting of LGBTQ+ individuals. This classification led to increased sentencing.
Encouragement to Report Crimes
Detective Constable Sarah Byrne encouraged others who may have experienced similar ordeals to report incidents to the police. She highlighted the importance of holding offenders accountable to ensure public safety.
Community Impact
The CPS and law enforcement agencies hope the convictions offer comfort to victims and reassurance to vulnerable communities. Davies added, "Everyone should feel safe and confident when engaging with others, whether in person or online."
The sentencing sends a strong message against crimes motivated by prejudice, reinforcing the commitment to protect and serve all members of the community.
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