Latest news with #Awan
The Irish Sun
01-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
My coach sexually abused me at 13, I thought our special sessions were to help me but they were for her twisted desires
WHEN Nia Durant was taking under the wing of her cheerleading coach she had never felt more special. Desperate to succeed in the squad Nia, now 27, was more than happy to help coach the younger students by 7 Nia Durant has told of the sexual abuse she experienced at the hands of her cheerleading coach Credit: SWNS 7 She was enlisted to help her coach Rosana Awan to teach the younger students, but Awan used their time alone to abuse her Credit: SWNS 7 Awan was jailed for ten years in October last year Credit: SWNS But a nightmare was just beginning – as she became easy pickings for a 'predatory' teacher who preyed on the talented young sportswoman. Nia went on to endure years of sexual abuse at the hands of her coach and feared she would get in trouble if she told anyone about the "favouritism" she was accused of receiving. According to a report from The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) out of 3,939 participants 78 people reported experiencing sexual abuse in a sports context and of those - 91% reported being sexually abused by a sports coach or volunteer. Now Nia has bravely waived her right to anonymity to "shine a light" on this abuse in sport - especially when it's "female-on-female" which she feels is less reported. Nia, 27, from Leicester, East Midlands, says: "I'd always loved sports and gymnastics - I was so excited to join the team. "I signed up to the local cheerleading group aged 13 in 2010. "A few weeks into practice my coach Awan asked me if I wanted to come early and stay late to plan lessons with her, offering me the chance to help the younger students. "I was so happy to be picked - and it all felt very innocent at first. Most read in Fabulous "She even told my parents about it. "Looking back, that was her gateway into getting to know me." Chippy Boss Convicted: Alessandro Santi Guilty of Sex Attacks on Teen Girls Awan began offering Nia lifts home after practice - which Nia attended three or four times a week. While they started out innocently with Awan pulling over to discuss practice with Nia, they soon took a sinister turn. Nia explains: "She started touching me over my clothes. "I was very naïve and didn't know about any of that stuff. "I was really confused about it to start with, but at the same time, she kept reassuring me it was all 'normal'." This continued for a couple of months until it "progressed" and Awan began to sexually abuse her under her clothes, too. The abuse continued when the cheerleading team travelled for competitions and Awan would book them a hotel room together. Nia says: "She would give the hotel a fake name for me, so no one knew I was staying with her, and then we would share a bed. 7 Awan started giving Nia lifts home where she would abuse her in the car Credit: SWNS 7 She also made Nia share a hotel room with her when they were away for competitions Credit: SWNS 7 Nia says she became increasingly isolated from friends and family Credit: SWNS "I kept quiet about it because she told me the others would be 'jealous' of me. "I was getting favouritism and it made me feel special. "She also made it out like I would be the one who would get in trouble if anyone found out." Over the next few years, Nia became increasingly isolated from friends and family. She struggled with her mental health and didn't know who to turn to about the abuse. "Because I coached for her, I didn't want to jeopardise my job, either," she says. "I made a new friend at cheerleading and coach wasn't happy about it. "I was searching for reasons why I wouldn't be allowed to have friends and I didn't understand. "I started to realise you don't hide your relationships and this is wrong." It's now taking its toll and I still feel a lot of guilt - even though I shouldn't Nia Durant In 2013, Nia's parents grew concerned and contacted police to report Awan, after finding a diary Nia had written about the abuse. However, Nia was "too scared" to tell the truth, and insisted "nothing happened", and the case wasn't pursued. According the Leicestershire Police, Awan did admit to "kissing" Nia, and was given a "conditional caution". In 2017, Nia got into De Montfort University in her hometown, Leicester, and began studying for an education degree. While learning about safeguarding, she says the pieces "fell into place" and she understood that she had been abused. In 2018, Nia told the police she wanted to reopen the original report made in 2013, and she spoke with an officer April 2019. Awan was arrested a month later, and charged in February 2020 with five counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Nia says: "I felt like it wasn't taken seriously to begin with due to the female on female nature. "One officer even suggested that her actions were 'motherly' and 'being a good coach', rather than abuse. "But I can't fault the female officer who helped me. How to report a sexual assault Contact a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery. Contact a voluntary organisation, such as Call the 24-hour Speak to the "She saw the severity of it and it was the first time I finally felt heard and listened to." Awan pleaded not guilty to all charges. The case eventually went to Leicester Crown Court in October 2024 where she was found guilty of four counts of sexual abuse with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. She was found not guilty on one count of sexual activity with a child. She was sentenced at the same court to 10 years in prison in December 2024, and also made the subject of a 10-year restraining order and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. She will be a registered sex offender for life. Nia adds: "I was really thankful for the guilty verdict. "It confirmed everything - it wasn't all in my head. "I read out an impact statement and didn't use a screen - I wanted her to see me. "I got the final say. "The sentencing was a big win and I felt validated. It's scary to put myself out there, but I hope this can help just one other person feel heard Nia Durant "But it's now taking its toll and I still feel a lot of guilt - even though I shouldn't. "I do think there's not enough support for victims because the court process is awful. "It's scary to put myself out there, but I hope this can help just one other person feel heard." When approached for a comment, a spokesperson for Leicestershire Constabulary said: "In 2013, the complainant's parents made a report of sexual abuse to the police on her behalf. "When an investigation began, the complainant told police nothing had happened between herself and Awan. "It was later established that the complainant told police nothing had happened as she had been put under pressure by Awan. "Awan did admit kissing the complainant and was issued with a conditional caution. "In August 2018, the complainant told police she wanted the report that was made in 2013 to be reopened. "The force understands the victim was frustrated by the fact the case was adjourned on several occasions due to lack of court space. Read more on the Irish Sun "However, both the officer in the case and her supervisor maintained a positive relationship with the victim in the case and have been thanked by her for their efforts in ensuring Awan was convicted of her crimes." When asked about the terms Nia claimed were used to describe Awan's actions, including "motherly" and "being a good coach", a spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: "The force does not have any record of the officer using those terms to describe Awan's behaviour." 7 Nia hopes that her story will help other victims to feel heard Credit: SWNS
Express Tribune
07-05-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Decrepit infrastructure fueling derailments
As Punjab pushes ahead with plans for Pakistan's first bullet train, the country's existing railway infrastructure — plagued by derailments, decrepit tracks, and malfunctioning signals — casts doubt on the feasibility of such ambitious project. Details gathered by The Express Tribune reveal that over 6,500 kilometers of railway tracks, built since the creation of Pakistan, have surpassed their natural lifespan and are now in a state of disrepair. However, the absence of a bailout package for railway improvements and insufficient funds for track repairs have contributed to numerous train derailments. According to sources of The Express Tribune, more than 200 incidents of train derailment have been reported each year in Punjab over the past four years. In 2021, 280 incidents of derailment of freight and passenger trains on the main and branch lines were reported followed by 230 incidents in 2022, 250 in 2023, 270 in 2024, and 130 incidents during the first four months of 2025. The majority of derailment incidents were reported from Sukkur division, followed by Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta. According to Muhammad Sabir Awan, an expert on the railways, incorrect alignment between the train and track and non-compliance with the SOPs given by the Engineering and Mechanical Department for traffic safety were the major reasons behind most cases of derailment. "The job of the Divisional Superintendent is to inspect the train and track in his division. This inspection should be done at least once a week, but this rarely happens, due to which loose nuts, bolts and malfunctioning signal systems cause trains to derail. By fixing the rolling stock and improving the condition of the coaches, train derailment can be prevented," said Awan, who urged the government to improve Pakistan Railways. Shahid Nazir and Muhammad Ammar Aslam, who frequently take a train from Lahore to Okara disclosed the state of the railway infrastructure. "The coaches are derailed on the second or third day of running on the tracks. As a result, we complete a two-and-a-half-hour journey in six to eight hours. The government should improve the railway system," urged the passengers. Former Chief Engineer of Pakistan Railways Muhammad Afzal Bajwa revealed that every railway system had a given lifespan after which it had to be upgraded. "Unfortunately, Pakistan Railways is using railway tracks from the British era. So far, we have only doubled the track from Lahore to Lodhran, which was done during the Musharraf era. Until the government provides funds for the improvement of the track, trains will continue to derail. The government should give the railways a bailout package again," implored Bajwa. Speaking to The Express Tribune on the matter, President of Pakistan Railways (Prem Union) Sheikh Muhammad Anwar believed that the government's neglect was primarily responsible for derailments. "The government is building roads, ring roads, and motorways, but it has neither the funds nor the time to fix the railways. Dues worth Rs7 billion are still due to government employees since 2019. The annual budget of Pakistan Railways is Rs45 billion. How can the expenditure on the 6,500-kilometer track be met from this budget? Although the track from Lahore to Lodhran is up to date, the remaining track has completed its natural lifespan," confirmed Anwar. When asked about the situation, Babar Ali Raza, Director General Public Relations, Pakistan Railways, said: "We have imposed engineering restrictions on weak tracks to prevent derailmentsthese define speed limits that cannot be exceeded at certain points." The Railway Minister, he said, has initiated 13 projects worth Rs11 billion to strengthen vulnerable sections. "If we review data from the past decade, the casualty ratewhile it should ideally be zerois steadily decreasing due to the measures taken, and we expect this downward trend to continue," Raza claimed.
Express Tribune
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Supreme Court reserves verdict on military trials of civilians
Listen to article Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday reserved its judgment on a series of appeals challenging the legality of trying civilians in military courts, particularly those accused in the May 9, 2023, protests. The six-member constitutional bench, led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, concluded hearings on 38 intra-court appeals filed by federal and provincial governments, as well as the Shuhada Forum Balochistan. A brief judgment is anticipated later this week. The case stems from an October 2023 decision where the apex court declared the trial of civilians in military courts null and void, prompting significant legal and political discourse. That verdict was delivered unanimously by a five-member bench in response to petitions against trying suspects involved in attacks on military installations during the May 9 riots. Despite the ruling, military courts had already sentenced 85 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists to terms ranging from two to ten years of rigorous imprisonment. In January, the military accepted 19 mercy pleas on humanitarian grounds, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). During the hearing, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan defended the military's role, saying coordinated attacks occurred on 39 military sites between 3 pm and 7 pm on May 9, 2023. According to him, 23 incidents took place in Punjab, eight in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one in Sindh. He argued that the protests were not spontaneous but a result of 'organised planning.' He also said that even if the violence was reactionary, it could not be excused. 'Our country is not an ordinary one; due to its geography, we constantly face significant threats,' Awan told the court. The attorney general disclosed that three senior army officers — a Lieutenant General, a Brigadier, and a Lieutenant Colonel — had been forcibly retired without pension or benefits due to negligence in preventing the attack on Lahore's Jinnah House. Fourteen other officers were denied promotions due to dissatisfaction with their handling of the situation. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail asked whether any criminal proceedings had been initiated against military personnel. Awan replied that no crimes were committed, and therefore no criminal cases were registered. He clarified that disciplinary measures were taken for failure to act, not for unlawful conduct. Justice Mandokhail noted that under Pakistan's Army Act, departmental action must be accompanied by criminal accountability when warranted. Awan responded that only officers who had 'exercised restraint' had faced disciplinary action. Justice Aminuddin Khan said the court would issue a short order later this week.
CBS News
03-05-2025
- CBS News
Four injured after shooting outside Baltimore County shopping center
A late-night shooting outside a Woodlawn shopping center has left four people injured and business owners calling for change, as concerns over safety in the area continue to grow. Baltimore County Police say gunfire broke out just after midnight Friday in the parking lot of a shopping center along Woodlawn Drive near Security Boulevard. Officers from the nearby Woodlawn precinct responded quickly, finding two victims at the scene. Two others arrived at local hospitals on their own. The shooting has renewed safety concerns among small business owners operating in the area. Late-night problems "I had to redirect my clients to come in through the back door," said Mercy Akiumbeni, owner of Braided 4 U, who was working when shots rang out. "A lot of people [were] in the parking lot just having fun, and then the gunshots happened in that lounge. I had to make sure I secured the doors at my braiding shop and get home safely with my son." Sonny Awan, owner of BBQ Tonite, says the late-night activity has been a recurring problem. "It's just absurd that this keeps happening," he said. "Yes, safety is a concern — the safety of my customers and employees." Business owners say the problems often escalate during overnight hours, with public drinking, loitering and violence becoming far too common. "So all of a sudden at night, this whole place is very busy. In the morning when we come, there are a lot of empty liquor bottles — Hennessy, Hennessy Black…" Awan added. Business owners appeal for police help This is not the first incident at the shopping center. In December 2023, a separate shooting at the same location left one person dead and several others injured. Bullet holes from that shooting remain visible on the exterior of BBQ Tonite. Awan and others are urging police to step up patrols and for local officials to reconsider how late lounges and clubs in the area are allowed to stay open. "At night, there should be at least one or two police cars around to keep an eye on things," Awan said. "I think that might help or at least get to the bottom of the real problem." Akiumbeni echoed that sentiment: "Maybe they can cut down the hours that all of these lounges are open out here." Baltimore County Police are still searching for suspects and persons of interest in connection to the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Gun violence in Baltimore County Baltimore County has been challenged by recent incidents involving gun violence. On April 14, a 16-year-old died after being shot in the 4000 block of Alan Drive in Arbutus, Baltimore County. On March 5, a teen was shot and killed after being chased by a gunman onto the property of Lansdowne High School. The killing marked the thirteenth homicide of 2025. Despite concerning incidents, data from the Baltimore County crime dashboard shows a drop in weapons violations. Between Jan. 1, 2025, and April 26, 2025, there were 196 incidents involving weapons violations and 197 victims. That's compared to 224 incidents involving weapon law violations, and 231 victims in the same time frame last year.
CBS News
02-05-2025
- CBS News
Five injured after shooting in Baltimore County
A late-night shooting outside a Woodlawn shopping center has left five people injured and business owners calling for change, as concerns over safety in the area continue to grow. Baltimore County Police say gunfire broke out just after midnight Friday in the parking lot of a shopping center along Woodlawn Drive near Security Boulevard. Officers from the nearby Woodlawn precinct responded quickly, finding two victims at the scene. Three others arrived at local hospitals on their own. The shooting has renewed safety concerns among small business owners operating in the area. "I had to redirect my clients to come in through the back door," said Mercy Akiumbeni, owner of Braided 4 U, who was working when shots rang out. "A lot of people [were] in the parking lot just having fun, and then the gunshots happened in that lounge. I had to make sure I secured the doors at my braiding shop and get home safely with my son." Sonny Awan, owner of BBQ Tonite, says the late-night activity has been a recurring problem. "It's just absurd that this keeps happening," he said. "Yes, safety is a concern — the safety of my customers and employees." Business owners say the problems often escalate during overnight hours, with public drinking, loitering, and violence becoming far too common. "So all of a sudden at night, this whole place is very busy. In the morning when we come, there are a lot of empty liquor bottles — Hennessy, Hennessy Black…" Awan added. This is not the first incident at the shopping center. In December 2023, a separate shooting at the same location left one person dead and several others injured. Bullet holes from that shooting remain visible on the exterior of BBQ Tonite. Awan and others are urging police to step up patrols and for local officials to reconsider how late lounges and clubs in the area are allowed to stay open. "At night, there should be at least one or two police cars around to keep an eye on things," Awan said. "I think that might help or at least get to the bottom of the real problem." Akiumbeni echoed that sentiment: "Maybe they can cut down the hours that all of these lounges are open out here." Baltimore County Police are still searching for suspects and persons of interest in connection to the shooting. Anyone with information is urged to contact Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP. Gun violence in Baltimore County Baltimore County has been challenged by recent incidents involving gun violence. On April 14, a 16-year-old died after being shot in the 4000 block of Alan Drive in Arbutus, Baltimore County. On March 5, a teen was shot and killed after being chased by a gunman onto the property of Lansdowne High School. The killing marked the thirteenth homicide of 2025. Despite concerning incidents, data from the Baltimore County crime dashboard shows a drop in weapons violations. Between Jan. 1, 2025, and April 26, 2025, there were 196 incidents involving weapons violations and 197 victims. That's compared to 224 incidents involving weapon law violations, and 231 victims in the same time frame last year.
