A Poole vape shop manager who plied schoolgirls with free illegal e-cigarettes to sexually abuse them has been jailed for eight years.
Dilshaw Omar Kawani, 53, who managed Parkstone Mini Market on Ashley Road in Poole, was found guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court of seven offences of sexual assault and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity against two victims. He was sentenced to eight years in prison and handed a 12-year sexual harm prevention order.
Free vapes as bait
The court heard Kawani had teenage girls call him “Boss man” and sold or gave them illegal vapes to facilitate his offending. One victim was given free vapes, including devices containing THC.
The case underlines why the illicit vape trade matters far beyond tax loss or counterfeit kit. Illegal devices change hands outside regulated retail, with no age checks, which is exactly the environment offenders can exploit. It also highlights why understanding current UK vape rules matters for anyone buying or selling devices legally.
How the case unfolded
Dorset Police launched the investigation in January 2025 after a teenage girl reported that Kawani had sexually touched her under her clothing after giving her free vapes. A second teenage victim later reported being sexually assaulted on multiple occasions.
Detective Inspector Ross McNamee of Dorset Police’s Safeguarding Hub said: “This sentence marks the conclusion of a determined investigation into offences that caused significant harm to children in our community. While no sentence can undo that harm, this outcome ensures the offender has been held accountable for his actions and will now face the consequences of his criminality.”
| Stage | What happened |
|---|---|
| January 2025 | Dorset Police open an investigation after a teenage girl reports sexual assault |
| Follow-up | A second teenage victim comes forward reporting assaults on multiple occasions |
| Conviction | Kawani found guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court of seven offences against two victims |
| Sentencing | Eight years in prison, plus a 12-year sexual harm prevention order |
| Enforcement | A joint police and Trading Standards operation closes the store and recovers illegal vapes; it later reopens under new management |
Store shut, then reopened
Following the joint operation between police and Trading Standards, the Parkstone Mini Market vape store was closed and a number of illegal vapes were recovered. The shop has since reopened under new management.
The case is a reminder that illicit vapes are not a victimless trade. Knowing how to spot fake vapes and reporting suspicious retailers to Trading Standards helps keep illegal stock out of circulation.
Source: Press Association.