Newcastle Man Jailed After Disturbing Child Abduction Case

In a deeply disturbing case that has left the community of Newcastle and Teesside in shock, 31-year-old Amin Samater has been jailed for 18 months after abducting two teenage girls and persistently attempting to book a hotel room for the three of them. Samater’s actions were uncovered when alert hotel staff raised concerns, sparking a swift police response that prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.

Samater met the two young girls in Middlesbrough town centre, having encountered them just a week prior. Despite the girls clearly telling him their ages, he chillingly dismissed them as “babies” before booking a taxi to take them to a nearby hotel in Teesside. His persistence in trying to secure a room — first with cash, then over the phone — alarmed staff enough to call police immediately, a decision that would ultimately save the girls from potential harm.

A Timely Intervention: Staff and Police Act Swiftly

Thanks to the vigilance of the hotel staff, officers from Cleveland Police quickly located Samater and the two frightened girls at a nearby McDonald’s. Upon arrest, Samater was found in possession of cannabis and denied the offences, even though the evidence showed he had spent more than five hours with the underage girls.

During the court proceedings at Teesside Crown Court, it emerged that Samater had a troubling past — 11 previous convictions for 17 offences, including violence and harassment. Despite his defense claiming there was “no coercion” involved, the court ruled that Samater’s actions showed a clear and deliberate pattern of predatory behavior toward vulnerable children.

Judge Jonathan Carroll described Samater as a “high risk to children”, sentencing him to 18 months in prison and imposing a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order to safeguard others. The court’s message was firm: exploitation and endangerment of minors will not be tolerated.

Community Gratitude and a Call to Remain Vigilant

In a statement following the sentencing, Detective Constable Shaun Watson expressed deep gratitude toward the hotel employee whose quick thinking may have prevented something far worse. “Their actions potentially saved these two girls from any further harm and helped put a dangerous offender behind bars,” he said. He also praised the two young victims for their incredible courage in providing statements and testifying in court, adding that their bravery played a critical role in ensuring justice was served.

This case also highlights the crucial importance of Operation Makesafe, a community initiative that trains hotel, taxi, and hospitality staff to recognize signs of child exploitation. By acting on instinct and raising the alarm, these everyday heroes serve as the first line of defense against those who prey on the vulnerable.

While the scars of this traumatic experience may take time to heal, the courage of the victims — and the vigilance of those who intervened — serve as a powerful reminder that awareness and swift action can save lives.