Child-rape sentence reignites scrutiny of UK high street mini-marts

Bawan Harwe, a 28-year-old Iraqi national seeking asylum, was sentenced to 29 years in prison for raping six children in 2024, the youngest aged 12, by luring them with vapes and cash. His co-worker Sharam Muhamadi, from Iran, was convicted of facilitating travel for exploitation and is now on the run after fleeing trial. The case has renewed scrutiny of crimes linked to UK mini-marts, with BBC investigations uncovering drug sales, child sexual exploitation, and money laundering. Residents in Doncaster, where the crimes occurred, expressed horror but not surprise, calling the area 'lawless'.