Man enters guilty plea after trying to coax 13-year-old into encounter

A man who attempted to lure a 13-year-old girl into a meeting has pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual grooming.

Met officers stopped Muhammed Zeeshan Ali while he was on his way to meet the child for sex.

An investigation was launched after detectives found out that Ali had been speaking to the girl on social media.

He had planned to meet her outside Canada Water Underground Station on Wednesday, last week.

Officers were aware of this and waiting for him to arrive. When he did, he was stopped and arrested.

The 33-year-old, of Rotherhithe New Road in Southwark, tried to destroy his phone by smashing it on the floor.

He was charged the following day and appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he pleaded guilty to attempting to engage sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a child for sexual grooming.

Detective Sergeant Callum Mantell, from the Met’s Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation team, said: “Ali is clearly a dangerous predator who was using social media to attempt to sexually abuse a child.

“We carried out fast-time enquiries to identify him and ensure officers were waiting for him. Our investigation means he will now face the consequences of his actions.”

Ali was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court at a later date.

The Met said: “The internet can be a great space for young people to play, socialise and learn, and offers wonderful opportunities. However, it can be used by offenders to prey on young people and commit serious offences.

“We want to urge parents to have conversations with their children about online safety, learn how their children use the internet and, if they notice any behavioural changes in their child, ask questions and explore if there is something worrying them.

“If you have any concerns about online child abuse we would urge you to call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency – we have specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.”

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or report online. You can also report abuse and get support from the NSPCC – 0808 800 5000.

Pictured top: Muhammed Zeeshan Ali  (Picture: The Met)