Abdul Rahim Sa’ad, a 66-year-old double amputee who uses a wheelchair, was sentenced on July 17, 2026, to 12 years and 11 months’ imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in exchange for cash and cigarettes [1, 2, 3].
Abdul Rahim pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault by penetration, with 14 additional charges taken into consideration during sentencing. The offences occurred repeatedly over a three-year period from 2020 to 2023, often at a community centre's handicapped toilet [1, 2, 3]. According to court records, the victim first met Abdul Rahim near the man’s sister’s flat in April 2020. The abuse began with the boy allowing Abdul Rahim to photograph his genitals in return for cigarettes and cash [1, 2, 3].
The sexual acts happened on at least eight occasions, mainly involving oral sex in exchange for cigarettes and cash, as detailed in court proceedings [3]. The victim was about 12 years old when the abuse started and had turned 13 during the course of the offences between April and December 2020 [3].
Abdul Rahim was arrested on January 4, 2024, after his niece filed a police report alleging he was procuring sexual services from underage boys [1, 2, 3]. At sentencing, the judge noted Abdul Rahim's multiple health issues, including heart failure, diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease, which led to gangrene and his double amputation [1, 2]. Because he is over 50, Abdul Rahim was spared caning. Instead, the judge imposed an additional four months’ jail to make up for the lost deterrent effect, stating, "Additional jail time should be imposed to compensate for the lost deterrent effect of caning, given the abhorrent acts and repeated offences over a long period of time" [1].
A gag order protects the victim's identity [3].
Abdul Rahim’s sentencing marks the culmination of the case initiated by the 2024 arrest. The court’s decision ensures he will remain in custody serving the 12 years and 11 months jail term, including the substituted four months for caning.
