A MAN who groomed and exploited a vulnerable male teenager in Warwickshire has been jailed.
Kieran Rifat, formerly of St Georges Avenue, London, appeared at Warwick Crown Court where he was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for human trafficking – an offence under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
In January 2018, Rifat moved from London to South Warwickshire. During this time, he took his victim to London for what he was told was construction work.
But evidence found Rifat had accepted a £400 payment to traffic the teenager to London for the purpose of being sexually assaulted.
Rifat was arrested and later pleaded guilty to arranging and facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploit.
Det Con Sarah Williams said: “This was a case where a vulnerable adult was exploited, after Rifat deceived him, by taking him to London on the belief of carrying out construction work.
“The victim in this case has shown extreme courage in reporting this to police, and has been supported by specialist officers throughout the investigation.
“I hope this case shows how committed we are to ensuring those who exploit vulnerable people are brought to justice.”
