In a deeply disturbing case that has shaken the Stockport community, shopkeeper Daniel Hashmi has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for grooming and sexually assaulting a teenage girl. The crimes, which took place in his business premises on Wellington Road South, Stockport, between November and December 2024, have left the victim and her family grappling with profound trauma. Found guilty of six serious offences, including attempted rape, Hashmi’s actions have sparked renewed conversations about child safety, the role of safeguarding teams, and the importance of community vigilance.
The Crimes and the Conviction
Daniel Hashmi’s predatory behaviour came to light after a courageous report made by the sister of a friend of the victim in December 2024. Greater Manchester Police acted swiftly, arresting Hashmi and uncovering a series of heinous acts committed against a teenage girl in his shop.
The offences, which occurred over a short but devastating period, included three counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempted rape, and one count of assault by penetration. Hashmi’s shop, located on Wellington Road South, became a place of terror for the victim, where he exploited her vulnerability with calculated manipulation.
Court proceedings at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court revealed the extent of Hashmi’s grooming tactics. He provided the teenager with vodka and vapes, luring her into a false sense of trust. On one particularly chilling occasion, Hashmi blocked the door to a back room in his shop with a sofa, trapping the girl and preventing her escape before sexually assaulting her.
Despite his denials, the evidence presented during the trial was overwhelming, leading to his conviction on all six charges. The sentencing marked a significant moment of justice. Hashmi was handed a 10-year prison sentence, a lifelong requirement to sign the sex offender’s register, a restraining order, and a lifelong sexual harm protection order. These measures aim to prevent him from causing further harm, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the danger he poses to society, particularly to vulnerable children.
Detective Constable Ben Swapp, from Stockport’s Complex Safeguarding Team, praised the bravery of the victim and her family, emphasizing the team’s commitment to protecting young people from exploitation. He described Hashmi as a significant threat, underscoring the importance of removing such offenders from the streets. The conviction serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of Greater Manchester Police and their multi-agency partners in pursuing justice for victims of child exploitation.
The Victim’s Heartbreaking Statement
The emotional toll of Hashmi’s actions on the teenage victim was laid bare in her powerful statement read during the trial. Her words painted a devastating picture of betrayal, loss, and lasting trauma. “I thought I could trust him,” she said. “He is an adult, and they are meant to be protectors, but after this, I will never trust anyone again.” These words highlight the profound breach of trust that occurs when an adult in a position of authority exploits a child’s vulnerability.
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The victim spoke of feeling “betrayed and completely let down,” emphasizing the deep psychological impact of the abuse. She described how Hashmi had taken away “the most important things” that she will never regain, leaving her feeling “used” in a way that she described as “the worst thing.” Her statement underscores the long-lasting effects of sexual abuse, which can shatter a young person’s sense of safety, self-worth, and ability to form trusting relationships.
The victim’s courage in coming forward and sharing her experience cannot be overstated. By speaking out, she not only played a critical role in securing Hashmi’s conviction but also sent a powerful message to other survivors of abuse: their voices matter, and justice is possible. Greater Manchester Police have committed to providing ongoing support to the victim and her family, recognizing the immense strength it took to navigate the legal process and confront their abuser in court.
This case also highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for victims to report abuse. The victim’s ordeal might have continued undetected if not for the vigilance of a friend’s sister, who reported her suspicions to the police. This act of courage serves as a reminder that community members play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. By listening to concerns, reporting suspicious behaviour, and supporting victims, we can help prevent predators like Hashmi from causing further harm.
The Role of Stockport’s Complex Safeguarding Team
The successful prosecution of Daniel Hashmi is a testament to the dedication of Greater Manchester Police’s Stockport Complex Safeguarding Team, a multi-agency unit focused on protecting vulnerable children and young people from exploitation and harm. Comprising police officers, social workers, and other professionals, the team works collaboratively to identify, assess, and respond to safeguarding concerns, with a particular emphasis on child exploitation.
Detective Constable Ben Swapp described the team’s mission as one of unwavering commitment to removing dangerous offenders from society. The Hashmi case exemplifies their approach, combining thorough investigations with victim-centered support to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. The team’s multi-agency structure allows for a holistic response to complex cases, addressing not only the immediate criminal aspects but also the broader needs of victims and their families.
The Complex Safeguarding Team’s work extends beyond individual cases, aiming to prevent exploitation through education, community engagement, and early intervention. By identifying at-risk individuals and providing support before harm escalates, the team seeks to create a safer environment for young people in Stockport. Their efforts are particularly crucial in cases involving grooming, where predators often exploit trust and vulnerabilities over time, making early detection challenging.
The Hashmi case also underscores the importance of public awareness about grooming and exploitation. Predators like Hashmi often use gifts, flattery, or substances like alcohol and vapes to manipulate their victims, creating a façade of kindness that masks their true intentions.
By educating communities about the warning signs of grooming—such as inappropriate attention from adults, secretive behaviour, or sudden access to alcohol or drugs—safeguarding teams can empower parents, educators, and young people to recognize and report potential dangers.
Swapp expressed hope that Hashmi’s sentencing would encourage other victims of sexual abuse to come forward, reinforcing the message that perpetrators will face justice. The Complex Safeguarding Team’s ongoing work serves as a beacon of hope for survivors, demonstrating that support is available and that their experiences will be taken seriously.
Broader Implications and a Call to Action
The jailing of Daniel Hashmi is a significant victory for justice, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation. Cases like this highlight the need for continued investment in safeguarding initiatives, stronger community vigilance, and comprehensive education about grooming and abuse. While Hashmi’s conviction removes one predator from the streets, it is a sobering reality that others may still be operating undetected.
For society, the Hashmi case is a call to action. Parents, educators, and community members must remain vigilant, fostering open conversations with young people about safe relationships and the warning signs of exploitation. Schools can play a pivotal role by integrating age-appropriate education about consent, boundaries, and online safety into their curricula. Meanwhile, businesses and organizations must ensure robust safeguarding policies are in place to prevent adults from exploiting their positions of trust.
The courage of the victim and her supporter in this case is a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have in combating abuse. Reporting suspicions, no matter how small they may seem, can make a life-changing difference. Greater Manchester Police and their partners have shown that they are equipped to respond effectively, but they rely on the public’s cooperation to identify and stop offenders.
As we reflect on this case, we must also consider the long-term support needed for survivors of sexual abuse. The victim’s statement revealed the profound and lasting impact of Hashmi’s actions, underscoring the need for accessible mental health services, counseling, and community support for survivors. Healing from such trauma is a complex and ongoing process, and society has a responsibility to ensure that victims are not left to navigate it alone.
The sentencing of Daniel Hashmi marks a moment of justice for a brave teenage girl and her family, but it also challenges us to do more to protect our communities. By supporting safeguarding initiatives, raising awareness, and fostering a culture of vigilance and compassion, we can work together to prevent future tragedies and ensure that every child feels safe and valued. Let this case be a catalyst for change, inspiring us all to take action in the fight against child exploitation.