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A rapist who attacked two girls when he was a boy has been handed a lighter prison sentence due to his age and “immaturity” at the time of his offences.

Mohammed Ahmed was 12 years old when he attacked two younger girls, subjecting them to rape and violence.

His victims were both aged nine when the abuse began, the High Court in Edinburgh heard.

Ahmed was caught years later after being confronted by one of his victims.

During an earlier trial, Ahmed admitted that it was he who initially contacted police following the confrontation, and intimated he wanted to take his own life due to the allegations against him.

Ahmed, now 24, had denied a series of charges but was found guilty of five offences involving the girls.

He was jailed for four years on Monday. He will also be supervised for two years upon his release from prison and has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for an indefinite period.

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Lord Doherty said he had “particular regard” to the fact the sexual offences were committed when Ahmed was an “adolescent child”.

The judge said: “Had you been an adult at the time of all of these offences, the sentence I would have passed would have been more severe.

“In light of your immaturity at the time of most of these offences, the sentence which I pass is an extended sentence of six years’ imprisonment, of which the custodial part is four years and the extension period is two years.”

New guidelines for sentencing under-25s came into effect in Scotland in January 2022.

The Scottish Sentencing Council recommended a more “individualistic approach” to take account of the perpetrator’s life experiences.

The changes were made to help reduce reoffending by focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

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Ahmed attacked his victims at an address in Edinburgh.

He sexually assaulted and raped one girl when she was aged nine in December 2010. He was also convicted of assaulting her by punching her, grabbing her by the hair and dragging her.

Ahmed also sexually assaulted and raped a second girl on various occasions between 2010 and 2014.

His physical assaults went on for a longer period. He was convicted of punching her and pulling her hair, and on one occasion he pushed her down stairs and throttled her by putting his arm around her neck, endangering her life.

Lord Doherty said Ahmed’s offences displayed a “sustained course of serious sexual abuse of the victims”.

He said: “The victims were significantly younger than you.”

The judge added that it was clear from the evidence and victim impact statements that the offending had “significant consequences” for them.

Lord Doherty noted a background report which highlighted Ahmed’s difficult childhood and mental health issues. He also acknowledged that Ahmed had no previous convictions.

Defence counsel Gareth Jones told the court that Ahmed continued to deny committing the offences, but added: “I acknowledge serious harm was caused to both complainers.”

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Man arrested at Luton Airport in connection with fires at properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer

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Man arrested at Luton Airport in connection with fires at properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer

A second man has been arrested in connection with fires at two properties and a car linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The 26-year-old was arrested around 1.45pm at Luton Airport on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

The arrest was made by counter terrorism officers. The man has been taken into police custody in London.

It comes after a Ukrainian man, 21, was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

Roman Lavrynovych appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded in custody.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation because of the connections to the prime minister.

Emergency services were called to a fire in the early hours of Monday at a house in Kentish Town, north London, where Sir Keir lived with his family before the election.

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Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, but nobody was hurt.

A car was also set alight in the same street last Thursday.

There was another blaze at the front door of a house converted into flats in Islington, also linked to the prime minister, on Sunday.

One person was taken to safety via an internal staircase by crews wearing breathing apparatus.

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Crystal Palace celebrate historic FA Cup win after victory over Manchester City

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Crystal Palace celebrate historic FA Cup win after victory over Manchester City

Crystal Palace are celebrating a historic win in the FA Cup after a 1-0 victory against Manchester City at Wembley.

It’s the south London club’s first major trophy – and third time lucky after losing two previous finals they have played in. The win also means Palace have qualified for next season’s Europa League.

Eberechi Eze put his side 1-0 up with the game’s only goal in the 16th minute.

Man City were given a chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute, but Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson – who had earlier escaped a red card for a handball outside the box – saved Omar Marmoush’s spot kick.

Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze (right) scores his sides first goal during the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. Pic: PA
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Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze scores. Pic: PA

Manchester City's Omar Marmoush (left) reacts after having his penalty saved as Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson is mobbed by his team mates during the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. Pic: PA
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Man City’s Omar Marmoush after his penalty was saved. Pic: PA

It briefly seemed the south London team had gone 2-0 up after a 58th-minute strike from Daniel Munoz but the goal was quickly ruled offside.

They then held onto their 1-0 lead until the final whistle, which came after an agonising 10 minutes of injury time.

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson celebrates after the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. PA
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Dean Henderson dodged a red card and saved a penalty. Pic: PA

Oliver Glasner’s team were the underdogs despite Manchester City having had a difficult season in the Premier League.

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Pep Guardiola’s side also lost to their neighbours and rivals Manchester United in last year’s cup final.

‘It’s all about spirit’

Palace goalscorer Eze said he had “no words” as he celebrated with his team mates.

Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze celebrates after the Emirates FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday May 17, 2025. Adam Davy/PA Wire
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Eze celebrates after the final whistle. Pic: PA

“I can only thank God,” he told ITV. “This is special, this is what dreams are made of, for this club as well. Who would have thought we could do it?

“We’ve made history today. The tactics were good but it’s all about spirit. That’s energy, that’s everyone fighting together and doing what we had to do today.”

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Manhunt after five people stabbed at event in southeast London

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Manhunt after five people stabbed at event in southeast London

A manhunt has been launched after five people were stabbed at an event in southeast London, police have said.

Officers were called to Nathan Way, Thamesmead, at 4.19am on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said.

Five people were found with stab wounds and were taken to hospital where their injuries are still being assessed.

No arrests have been made.

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“Enquiries are ongoing and a cordon will remain in place throughout the day,” a Met Police statement said.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

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