Vape Shop Manager Jailed for Exploiting Underage Girls
A 53-year-old man received an eight-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting teenage girls who purchased illegal e-cigarettes from his store.
Dilshaw Omar Kawani, 53, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of seven counts of sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. The verdict was delivered last week at Bournemouth Crown Court.
Kawani operated the Parkstone Mini Market on Ashley Road in Poole. He would offer free vapes to young girls, some of which contained tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, to facilitate his assaults. One victim reported that Kawani touched her inappropriately after giving her a free vape in January 2025. Another stated she was assaulted on multiple occasions by Kawani, whom the girls referred to as 'Boss man', while receiving free vapes.
Dorset Police arrested Kawani after being alerted to the abuse. A joint operation with Trading Standards led to the seizure of illegal vapes from the property, and the shop was temporarily closed. It has since reopened under new management.
Detective Inspector Ross McNamee of the Safeguarding Hub praised the victims' bravery and stated that the sentence holds the offender accountable. "Protecting children remains a priority for Dorset Police," McNamee said. "We are unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding young people and will relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit or abuse them."
In addition to his prison sentence, Kawani received a 12-year sexual harm prevention order during his sentencing hearing on October 15. Authorities commended the courage of the victims for coming forward and assisting throughout the investigation and court process, noting their bravery was instrumental in bringing the offender to justice and protecting other children.