Rafattullah Rustayee, 25, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after being found guilty of possessing and sharing indecent images of children. Authorities uncovered more than 800 images and videos depicting the abuse of children as young as three years old, shared within an online chatroom frequented by other offenders.
The investigation began when police received intelligence about the uploading of illegal content online. In October 2024, officers executed a search warrant on Rustayee’s residence in Dudley, seizing multiple electronic devices including an iPhone, iPad, and iMac. While no illicit material was found on the iMac, 885 indecent images and nearly three hours of videos were discovered on the other devices.
Court proceedings revealed that Rustayee actively sought out and distributed images through a Telegram account, sharing 59 images within a paedophile forum. He expressed interest in specific illegal content, including BDSM, bondage, and sadomasochism involving minors. Rustayee also engaged in conversations with fellow offenders about their sexual attraction to children.
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Defending counsel Ammo Khanna described Rustayee as a man of few words who recognizes the criminal nature of his actions and expresses remorse. She acknowledged his cultural background, which discourages seeking help due to shame, and highlighted his wish to undergo therapy and cooperate with authorities. Rustayee has struggled with mental health issues since his arrest and has expressed a genuine desire to change.
Rustayee’s difficult past was noted during sentencing, including his arrival in the UK as a refugee and exposure to severe violence in his home country. Despite having legal leave to remain, he is concerned about possible deportation to a place that is no longer safe for him.
Recorder Michael Duck KC emphasized the harmful impact of those who distribute such content, stating that they perpetuate a market for child abuse material. Rustayee pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images and three counts of distribution. In addition to his prison sentence, he was issued a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders register for a decade.