In a shocking case that has left the community of Sheffield shaken, Ako Hussain Pur, a 32-year-old man, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually assaulting a young girl. Pur, who was working as a tradesman at a residential property, used his position to exploit the situation and commit this heinous act.

The incident occurred in 2023 when Pur, along with his colleagues, was undertaking building work at a home in Sheffield. During a four-day trial, the jury heard how Pur entered the bedroom of a six-year-old girl, forcibly removed her trousers, and sexually assaulted her. To further manipulate the situation, Pur instructed the young girl not to disclose the assault to anyone. When confronted by the girl’s father, he denied any wrongdoing.

On Friday, January 5, Pur appeared before Sheffield Crown Court, where he was found guilty of sexual assault by penetration of a child under 13. In addition to his prison sentence, Pur has been issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and is required to sign the sex offenders register for life.

During the sentencing, Judge Reed highlighted that Pur had consistently lied throughout the case, but the jury saw through his deception. The judge emphasised that the victim should have felt safe in her own home and that the family should have been able to trust Pur while he worked in their house.

Amy Blakey, the officer in charge of the case, commended the tremendous courage displayed by the young victim. She praised the strength of the victim’s family, whose bravery led to the conviction and imprisonment of a dangerous man. Blakey acknowledged that the trauma and harm caused by such a serious assault are often irreversible and have long-term effects on children. However, she expressed hope that, with the appropriate support and care, the victim can begin to recover and enjoy a happy childhood and adult life.