Bawan Harwe Jailed 29 Years for Trafficking, Raping Seven Girls in Yorkshire
A 28-year-old shop worker, Bawan Harwe, has been imprisoned for 29 years following his conviction for the sexual abuse and trafficking of seven underage girls. Harwe, an Iraqi national, was found guilty of multiple charges including eight counts of rape, two counts of meeting a child after grooming, two counts of false imprisonment, and six counts of arranging and facilitating travel for exploitation. He had previously admitted to one count of raping a child under 13, three counts of making indecent images, and possessing extreme pornography.
Harwe leveraged social media to target his victims, aged between 12 and 16, using a false identity to offer them money and e-cigarettes to build trust. During his trial, the court heard that he plied the girls with alcohol and drugs before the assaults. Judge Sarah Wright described the harm caused as “of unimaginable proportions” and highlighted the devastating impact on the victims, their families, and the wider community.
Sharam Muhamadi, 21, Harwe's Iranian accomplice, was convicted of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel for exploitation. However, Muhamadi failed to appear for his sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court, prompting a warrant for his arrest. South Yorkshire Police have initiated a manhunt to locate him, stating they will not cease efforts until he is apprehended.
Muhamadi was granted bail by the court after being remanded in custody, with a surety of £19,000 provided by Amin Haydar. Judge Wright has ordered Haydar to forfeit this sum within 28 days due to Muhamadi's non-attendance. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it had “robustly opposed bail applications” throughout the proceedings, but such decisions ultimately rest with the court.
