Crawley man convicted of multiple child sex offences

Azam Haleemdeen, 37, a cleaner, of Broadwalk, Crawley, was convicted at Brighton Crown Court on Thursday 10 December, on 12 counts, each of multiple sexual assaults on the two young girls, confirmed Sussex Police.

He was remanded in custody for sentencing on 8 February.

Detective Sergeant Martin Alchin-Gadd said; "Our investigation found that Haleemdeen had over a period of time some seven years ago gained the confidence of the two vulnerable youngsters, using them systematically for his own sexual gratification until they found the courage to speak out.

"We praise them for coming forward, supporting our investigation, and giving evidence in court.

"Reports of this nature are always taken seriously and we prioritise the safeguarding of victims whilst seeking prosecutions in every case that we can.

"Any young person who is victim of such terrible offending can report to a trusted adult - including school teachers as in this case, to the NSPCC, or directly to the police."

For further information and advice on how to prevent and report child sexual offending, click here.