Takeaway owner collapses to floor as he's jailed after being unmasked as sex offender

A takeaway owner collapsed to the floor as he was jailed after being unmasked as a predatory sex offender. Abdulrahman Al-Nomire "presented a wholesome face to the outside world", including being the founder of several community initiatives for kids and families.

But the businessman hid a secret past, having subjected a girl to years of sexual abuse when she was aged as young as five. He wept uncontrollably as he was finally brought to justice today.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Thursday that the 41-year-old, of Wavertree Road in Edge Hill, would "grind on top of" his victim in acts which were described as "simulated intercourse". These assaults continued over the course of around three years, leaving her "uncomfortable and scared".

Ken Grant, prosecuting, described how the complainant eventually confided in her cousin years later, leading to her mum learning of the abuse. When subsequently spoken to by the police, Al-Nomire suggested the allegations were being made falsely as her "food orders from the takeaways which he owned had stopped".

Suzanne Payne, defending, told the court: "He has no previous convictions or cautions and was of previous good character. Your honour will see from references that he is a founding member of a number of foundations within the Yemeni community in Liverpool which involve supporting families and young people in various ways, such as football and chess.

"While he has been in the Liverpool area, he has set up successful businesses. He is the owner of at least two fast food outlets. He worked long and hard to ensure the success of the businesses and to support his family.

"He has five children. Mr Al-Nomire tells me that his wife and their son have now returned to Yemen. It is his responsibility to maintain financial support for his family. He also has two sisters living in Yemen. One has five children, the other has nine children. Both sisters are widows, with both of their husbands dying in the same car accident some years ago. He, as their brother, supports them financially."

Al-Nomire, who was assisted by an Arabic interpreter during the hearing, was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault by a jury. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool, he put his head in his hands and began wailing when he was told that he would be required to sign the sex offenders' register for life and handed a restraining order and sexual harm prevention order - both lasting for 10 years.

The defendant became emotional to such an extent that Judge Brian Cummings KC called a break in proceedings midway through his sentencing remarks. Al-Nomire then fell off his chair in the video link booth and continued crying on the floor.

Once court was reassembled, he was jailed for four-and-a-half years - a term of which he will be required to serve at least two thirds before becoming eligible for release - and handed an additional four years on licence. Sentencing, Judge Cummings said: "These were not momentary acts of touching, but acts which lasted several minutes.

"It is apparent that the offences have had serious emotional and psychological consequences for her. Several years have passed since the time of the offences, and I acknowledge that there has been no further offending by you.

"It is no comfort to your victim or the general public that a man who commits a series of acts of serious abuse against a child presents a very different and much more wholesome face to the outside world. You continue to deny the offences and display no victim empathy. I am concerned about your attitude."