Teen left terrified after kerb crawler mistook girl, 14, for prostitute
A kerb crawler left a 14-year-old girl terrified after mistaking her for a prostitute and asking her to get in his van.
Mohit Banda pulled up alongside the teenager who was waiting for her father to pick her up in West Bromwich in the evening.
He then offered her money to go with him, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
When he was arrested Banda, aged 31, who is a father himself, explained to the court that he believed the girl in question was older than she was.
The victim was waiting in Sams Lane on December 11 last year at around 9pm when Banda began harassing her, Mr Kevin Jones, prosecuting, told the court.
Mr Jones said: "She was hoping to get a lift from her father but she could not as his van was full.
"But they made arrangements for him to come back and collect her.
"She was then walking along on her own when she saw this defendant driving.
"He asked her to get in his van, holding out what she believed to be a quantity of money in his hand.
"He drove slowly alongside her just saying 'get in van.
He drove away but returned, shouting to her 'do you need a lift?'"
The teenager was scared by this point and began to 'quicken her pace' as Banda parked up on the opposite side of the road and continued to shout to her leaving her frightened for her safety, the court was told.
But the quick-thinking girl managed to take a picture of Banda's registration plate, which led to his arrest.
He admitted he had spoken to the girl but denied that he had tried to abduct her when he appeared before the court.
Mr Jones told the court married Banda, of Mansion Crescent, Smethwick, had not deliberately targeted a child.
He said: "This is very different to deliberately targeting a young woman.
"While his persistence was frightening, I accept he did not intend to frighten her."
But Judge Kristina Montgomery told him: "You spoke to her when it must have been plain she did not want to be spoken to.
"For whatever reason you thought she might be offering sexual services in return for money and I accept that you did not see the girl as her true age.
"Although you frightened her I have no reason to think that was your intention."
Banda pleaded guilty to harassment and was told that he must now complete 40 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12-month community order.
