BOSSES of a Halliwell takeaway say their business has "moved on" from court proceedings against its former owner who was jailed for child abduction.

The New Curry House management wants to reassure customers that it no longer has any association with Lukman Miah, who was jailed for two years for child abduction after being caught smoking cannabis with three young girls in his car.

Bosses say the restaurant, in Halliwell Road, has suffered a big drop in business since media reports of the court hearing —and say Miah has had not been involved since he was arrested in November last year.

The day after Miah was jailed at Bolton Crown Court on Monday, June 8, a mob hurled bricks at the front of the shop, smashing windows and hitting an assistant behind the counter, causing him minor injuries.

It emerged in court how Miah claimed he met one of the girls, aged 12, 14 and 15, through the takeaway because her family ordered food from there.

But its current manager, who asked not to be identified for security reasons, said he is keen that people do not associate his business with Miah.

He said: "He is nothing to do with us any more and we need to move on from this business.

"Customers have nothing to worry about. We are producing the same quality food as we have for 15 years here and this was a one-off involving one man.

"It was busy before but it has dropped off ever since the case was reported.

"By 5pm we had seven orders on most days, but today we have had one.

"We have not closed down, we are still here and still serving quality food."

Miah was caught on November 30 last year by farmer Graeme Wilson when he confronted him on his driveway in Cox Green Lane, Egerton.

Miah, aged 29, of Begonia Avenue, Farnworth, said he had no sexual motive for having the girls in his car, but the court heard how he gave the girls money, chocolate and sweets, as well as cannabis.

The accused's brother, Mizan Ali, aged 25, also of Begonia Avenue, was given a 10-month sentence, suspended for a year, after admitting perverting the course of justice.