A Primark security guard who forced young girls to carry out sex acts after they were caught shoplifting, has been convicted of rape.

Zia Uddin took advantage of CCTV blind spots to abuse four 15-year-olds while working at the Kingston branch of the clothing retailer in 2017.

After catching his vulnerable victims shoplifting, Kingston Crown Court heard that the 27-year-old would threaten the children - saying their parents and the police would be contacted, and that they would be detained for a considerable amount of time, unless they did as he said.

He then made clear that the only way for them to be let go without punishment was to perform sexual acts.

His victims were able to give evidence to the court through pre-recorded statements.

One said “there was no other choice” but to do as Uddin told them.

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The security guard was caught out after co-workers spotted strange behaviour, including incorrectly filled out incident paperwork in shoplifting situations and requests for CCTV to be deleted.

He was also known to keep condoms in the control room of the shop.

Uddin has now been found guilty of rape and four counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Graham Partridge of the Crown Prosecution Service, said he "preyed on young girls in a vulnerable situation."

He added that Uddin "abused his authority by telling them to perform sexual acts for him on the promise that they would then be released without their parents or the police being informed about what they had done."

Having worked in security, he said "Uddin was also well aware of the CCTV camera ‘blind spots’ and took advantage of these in order to carry out his offending."

Mr Partridge added: “During the trial Uddin claimed all the victims were liars and refused to take responsibility for his actions. He has now been held accountable for his actions.”

A spokeswoman for Primark said Uddin had abused the trust placed in him by the company and the security firm he worked for.

She said: "This has been a horrendous ordeal for the victims and their families and we are truly sorry for what they have suffered. Our thoughts are very much with them. The nature of these offences is shocking and distressing.

"Zia Uddin abused the trust that was placed in him by his employer, Brooknight Security, and by us, by taking advantage of his victims, who were young and vulnerable."

Uddin will return to Kingston Crown Court for sentencing next week.