Man (26) who tried to pay for child sex misses court

THE whereabouts of a man who became the second person to be convicted of attempting to pay for sexual services under landmark legislation are currently unknown after he failed to attend court for sentencing.

Jahfer Baleed (26) of Riverdale House, Dunmurry, initially denied attempting to obtain sexual services from his child victim, who was 14, in exchange for payment on June 29, 2017, changing his plea at the very last minute.

A contested hearing was just about to begin at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on October 30, when a prosecutor said he had been advised of an acceptance of guilt.

Asecondchargeofincitingthe child to engage in sexual activity was dismissed after the prosecution offered no evidence.

The matter came to police attention after a concerned witness observed Baleed acting suspiciously in the Lisburn area, following the girl some distance before making an approach and engaging in a discussion.

After the guilty plea was entered, the case was adjourned while pre-sentence reports were prepared, and Baleed was remanded on continuing bail.

However on return, it was confirmed he was not in attendance and had failed to co-operate with Probation Services for the report.

With Baleed’s whereabouts unknown, prosecutors applied for a bench warrant, which was granted.