A PAEDOPHILE who had sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl carried out ‘classic street grooming’, police said.

Sajid Waseem Hassan, aged 42, of Colenso Road, Blackburn was convicted of two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16 after a five day trial at Preston Crown Court.

An investigation by the Blackburn-based Engage team, which tackles sexual exploitation, discovered Hassan has been driving his Alfa Romeo around busy town centre streets in Blackburn.

On one occasion the divorced bachelor pulled up alongside the victim. They exchanged numbers and then met up on several occasions.

Police said he took the girl back to his home over a three month period between October 2009 and January 2010.

He also used ‘typical’ methods such as plying her with drink and buying her gifts including a necklace.

DS Mark Whelan, of the Engage Team, said: “Through excellent partnership work this girl was referred to us as being vulnerable to sexual exploitation.

“Following the work done with her, she felt confident enough to make a disclosure about Hassan’s abuse.”

Police then examined her phone and found evidence.

DS Whelan called it ‘classic street grooming behaviour’.

He said: “Although this type of grooming is unusual, the Engage team has become very experienced at investigating men who perpetrate these offences.

“Lancashire Police and its partners will pursue and prosecute these offenders to protect children.”

Hassan was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on February 24.