A man has been jailed after asking a schoolgirl if she wanted ‘sex’ in Swindon town centre.
Akhi Rara, formerly of Tintagel Close, Toothill, approached the 14-year-old in Regent Street on 12 February while she was walking to school, and incited her to engage in sexual activity.
Explicitly, the 24-year-old told the child he loved her and that he had a place they could go before asking whether she wanted “to have some fun” with him.
This put the victim in an ‘incredibly uncomfortable position’, which was noticed by a pedestrian who stepped in and removed her from the situation.
Less than two hours later, while officers were reviewing CCTV footage of the incident, the suspect was spotted at the bus station and arrested soon after. He was found in possession of cannabis upon his arrest.
Rara pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Monday (10 March). He will also spend seven years on the sex offenders register.
PC Holly Huntington said: “Rara is a danger to children who has been convicted of committing similar offences in the past and I am glad he will spend time behind bars.
“Thankfully, the victim in this case had the presence of mind to seek help from a nearby pedestrian who was able to safeguard her and assist with our enquiries as a key witness.
“I would like to thank the victim for her bravery in supporting our investigation as well as Swindon Borough Council’s CCTV operators who were pivotal in enabling us to locate and arrest Rara so quickly.”
