Doncaster Mini-Mart Worker Jailed 29 Years for Child Rape, Sparks UK High Street Scrutiny
A mini-mart worker in Doncaster, Bawan Harwe, has been sentenced to 29 years in prison for raping six children. Harwe, 28, an Iraqi national, lured underage girls to his Hexthorpe Road flat with promises of free vapes and cash. Sheffield Crown Court heard he targeted victims as young as 12, plying them with alcohol and drugs before sexual abuse.
Harwe's co-worker, Sharam Muhamadi, originally from Iran, was also convicted of facilitating travel for exploitation. Muhamadi is now the subject of a manhunt after absconding during the trial.
This case has intensified scrutiny on illicit activities centred around mini-marts throughout the UK. Investigations have previously exposed instances of cocaine and cannabis sales, child sexual exploitation, money laundering, and immigration offences within these establishments.
Local residents near Hexthorpe Mini Market, where Harwe and Muhamadi were employed, expressed horror but little surprise, citing a proliferation of such shops in the area. Many believe the sale of illegal cigarettes and vapes fuels crime, leading to a perception of the area as 'lawless'. One woman recounted confronting Harwe about illegal cigarette sales, to which he allegedly responded: "Do you think we're scared of police?"
Despite multiple raids by police and Trading Standards at Hexthorpe Mini Market, local business owners report that illicit sales resume almost immediately after officials depart. Anonymous sources indicated that sacks of illegal cigarettes were routinely removed from the shop during enforcement actions.
The trial also implicated a man known as 'Karzan' in arranging employment and accommodation for Harwe and Muhamadi. Karzan Hussein, named on official paperwork for other Hexthorpe Road businesses, confirmed offering jobs and lodging but denied involvement in illegal tobacco sales or knowledge of the abuse.
Solicitor David Greenwood, who represents survivors of grooming, suggests that the government's independent inquiry into grooming should specifically address high street shops, which he described as a "disturbing blind spot" for law enforcement.
Following these revelations, the government has announced legislative changes to facilitate the closure of shops selling illegal goods. However, in areas like Hexthorpe Road, where deep-rooted criminal networks persist, there is scepticism that these measures will effectively deter illicit operations. Concerns are now emerging that some mini-marts are even selling prescription medicines, including antidepressants and weight-loss drugs.
