Northwich shop owner found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl
He'll be sentenced in October following a trial at Chester Crown Court
Last updated 28th Aug 2026
A man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a girl at his shop in Northwich.
Furqan Khalil was convicted of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a child following a four-day trial at Chester Crown Court, which concluded on Thursday 27th August.
The 28-year-old, of Rishton Lane in Bolton, has been bailed and will appear at the same court on Friday 9th October to be sentenced.
What the court heard
The court was told that in February 2024, the victim went into Khalil's mobile phone and e-cigarette shop in Northwich to buy a phone charger.
While she was in the shop, she asked whether she could buy a vape.
As Khalil showed her a selection, he touched her inappropriately.
After she chose a vape, Khalil told her to wait outside, claiming he could not give it to her inside because of the CCTV cameras.
Once outside, Khalil touched the victim inappropriately again.
When she asked for the vape, he instead asked what "favours" she would do for him in return.
The victim then punched Khalil, causing him to run off.
Police reaction
Detective Sergeant Helen Harrison said: "I welcome today's outcome and hope this conviction will provide reassurance to the victim, and local residents, and also acts as a warning to other people who feel that it is acceptable to act in this manner.
"We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegation will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.
"Victims should never feel ashamed to talk about what they have been subjected to. They will receive the help and support they need from our specialist officers, as well as from other support agencies we work alongside, and all victims of sexual offences have the right to anonymity."
Anyone wanting to report a sexual offence can call Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or report it online at cheshire.police.uk.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.