Calls for more powers for councils to close businesses after conviction of Doncaster paedophile
28-year-old Bawan Hawre, who worked in a mini-mart store on Hexthorpe Road, lured girls with promises of vapes and casg
Changes to the law to give councils more powers to deal with businesses selling illegal and illicit goods would be “welcome”, a senior official at the City of Doncaster Council has said.
Dan Swaine, executive director for place at Doncaster Council, said councils “do not have the power” to close premises without going to the courts.
His comments come after the conviction of 28-year-old Bawan Hawre, who worked in a mini-mart store on Hexthorpe Road, Doncaster.
During his trial, it was heard how Hawre, an Iraqi national, lured underage victims back to his flat, which was on the same road, with the promise of free vapes and cash, before raping and abusing them.
He was convicted of eight counts of rape, two counts of meeting a child following sexual grooming, two counts of false imprisonment, and six counts of arranging and facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation.
He was jailed for 29 years at Sheffield Crown Court on June 11.
Mr Swaine said in a statement: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the young girls and their families who were victims of these heinous crimes, and we commend the bravery of the victims in speaking out and bringing those responsible to account.
“Trading standards have seized illegal goods from this premises in the past.
“Counterfeit tobacco, illicit cigarettes and illegal vapes are a problem on a national scale, with supply being linked to large international serious organised criminal networks. We would welcome further changes in the law to give councils more powers to deal with this problem.”
His statement came after Reform UK Doncaster said residents had “repeatedly” raised concerns about the sale of illegal and illicit tobacco and cigarettes at Hexthorpe Mini Market, where Hawre worked.
Group leader Councillor Howard Rimmer and his deputy leader, Cllr Russ Linley, who represents Hexthorpe and Balby North ward, called for a “full review” of enforcement activity on Hexthorpe Road over recent years.
They also called for stronger powers to close premises “repeatedly associated with criminal activity”.
Hawre was due to be sentenced alongside his accomplice, Sharam Muhamadi, originally from Iran, who was convicted of two counts of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view of exploitation.
However, 21-year-old Muhamadi, failed to attend his hearing and will be sentenced at a later date.
South Yorkshire Police have confirmed they have launched a manhunt for Muhamadi, who was granted bail following an application from his defence.
The case has drawn attention to crimes taking place in mini-marts across the country.
In an open letter to senior figures in Doncaster Council, Cllr Rimmer said “concerns regarding illegal tobacco sales, underage vaping, anti-social behaviour, organised criminality” had been known in the area for some time.
He added: “The overwhelming majority of local businesses operate honestly and responsibly. They too have suffered reputational damage and economic harm as a result of criminal activity being allowed to flourish in parts of the community.”
Mr Swaine said: “Members of the public can help us continue cracking down on this issue, by making us aware of any concerns they may have about the practices of local businesses. We investigate all reports that come through to us, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
“We want to reassure the public that in Doncaster we act on every piece of intelligence we get and will continue to do so. We know that illicit substances harm our communities in many ways, not only by damaging people’s health, but also by undermining legitimate local businesses who trade responsibly and within the law.”
The council said residents who suspect a business is selling illicit products or involved in other illegal activity can report it anonymously to Trading Standards online.
Anyone who witnesses crime can also report it to the police, council or anonymously to Crimestoppers.