Qasim Azram, a 26-year-old from Cheetham Hill, faced court after unknowingly discussing plans for child abuse with an undercover Greater Manchester Police officer on Grindr. His intentions were thwarted when his planned meeting in a Tesco car park in Middleton never materialized due to his suspicions.

Operating under the name "Looking For Fun," Azram communicated with the officer, who posed as "Lee," on July 10, 2020. He engaged in explicit discussions, believing he was speaking to someone involved in child exploitation. His conversations detailed vile intentions against nonexistent children.

Subsequent police actions led to a raid on his home in Cheetham Hill, where a search of his Samsung phone revealed concerning search terms like 'brothels' and 'paedophile information exchange.' Despite multiple court appearances, Azram eventually pleaded guilty to arranging a child sex offence.

Azram, who openly identified as gay, faced challenges due to pressure and societal expectations. His defense highlighted his autism diagnosis and lack of intent to harm anyone, given the absence of an actual child.

Judge Peter Horgan balanced public interest and the potential for Azram’s rehabilitation. He handed Azram a 24-month suspended sentence, combined with community service and mandatory treatment for sex offenders.