Leicester ‘Hip-Hop artist’ jailed for Abducting Two Girls

Charnjit Singh, aged 28, of Belgrave, Leicester, was jailed for over two years on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, at Leicester Crown Court for abducting two girls.

It was heard that Singh, also known as Mike Singh, befriended the two girls, aged 11 and 13, through Instagram.

The eldest girl had been following Singh on Instagram. They were in contact with each other for 11 weeks prior to the incident.

Both girls were fans of the amateur Hip-hop artist’s music.

It was heard that the defendant met both girls at a local park at 8 pm on May 2018 and drove around in his car until he dropped them back at about 10.00 pm.

However, he returned to meet them an hour later and stayed out all night until around 8.00 am.

It was stated that the girls listened to music in his car, ate food and fell asleep.

Phillip Plant, prosecuting, said that both girls were supposed to have been staying overnight at one of their homes, with a grandmother babysitting, while the mother was working a night shift.

When the mother arrived home at 1.45 am, she found that the girls were missing. She then contacted police.

Both families were frantic until Singh delivered them back to the address the next day.

Singh was arrested and later pleaded guilty to two counts of child abduction.

In addition, he pleaded guilty to breaching a restraining order by contacting an ex-partner, whom he began a relationship with him when she was 15 and he was 24.

He was placed on a restraining order for an unlimited period, banning him from any future contact with the woman, now aged 19.

The Court heard that there had been no indication Singh indecently touched either girl, but Judge Robert Brown suggested that there may have been an ulterior motive.

He said: “This case raises obvious concern that you had a sexual motive from abducting these two young girls.”

“I’m satisfied you were grooming those youngsters.”

“You were befriending them and gaining their trust in the hope they would become closer… and it would have led to some form of abuse but I can’t say exactly what.”

The Court heard that the older sister of one of the girls messaged Singh asking if he knew where the girls were.

It was noted that one of the girls used his mobile phone to reply, stating he did not know where they were.

Judge Brown said: “This defendant is a self-styled Hip-hop musician and uploaded a video to YouTube.”

“You contacted her (the 13-year-old girl) and asked if she wanted to meet up.”

“Those girls should have been at home where they’d been left in the care of a grandmother.”

“Your advocate, Miss Davies, says you’re naive and simply liked the company of young people, particularly when they were keen to give you attention.”

The Judge also ordered Singh to hand over his phone which was due to be destroyed.

He did accept that Singh was remorseful and took into account that he was a carer for his parents and also assisted at his local temple.

Charnjit Singh was jailed for two-and-a-half years and was issued with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

He was also banned from driving for two-and-a-half years for driving without insurance.

After the hearing, PC Tim Grigg, of the Child Sexual Exploitation team, believes that Singh groomed girls using social media.

He said: “Evidence uncovered during the investigation revealed Singh was grooming young girls using social media.”

“In this case, Singh took the victims out without their parents’ permission and bought gifts and food.”

“We are pleased Singh has pleaded guilty to the offences and spared the victims the ordeal of giving evidence in court.”

“We believe there may be other victims of Singh.”

PC Grigg urged any other people who may have been approached by Singh to come forward.

He added: On social media, he has been known to use the name ‘Mike Singh’ if you recognise the defendant or have been approached in a similar way we would ask that you contact us.”

If anyone has been approached in a similar way, contact the police on 101. Alternatively, contact ChildLine on 0800 1111 or get in touch online.