AHMED MASOOD'S SHOCKING ABUSE IN ALLERTON AND BRADFORD: A LONG HISTORY OF HORRIFIC CRIMES

In October 2014, a disturbing case unfolded involving Ahmed Masood, a 71-year-old former doctor from Bradford, who was sentenced to nine years in prison after being convicted of multiple sexual offenses committed during the 1980s. The heinous acts, which spanned several years, involved the abuse of a young girl who was just seven years old at the time, and the trauma she endured has left an indelible mark on her life.

Masood, who initially gained respect within the medical community as a hospital doctor before transitioning into general practice in the mid-1980s, was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault. The court was informed that had the charges been brought under more recent legal guidelines, he could have faced more severe accusations, including rape, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years. The victim, a girl known to Masood, recounted how the abuse began when she was only seven and continued until she was nine, revealing the depth of his betrayal.

The court heard that Masood exploited his position of trust, abusing the girl both at his home in Bradford—while his family was away—and at Airedale General Hospital, where he was employed and had access to staff quarters. During her emotional testimony, the victim broke down in tears as she described how she was manipulated and terrified by Masood. She explained that he was a well-known figure in the community, charming and charismatic, which made her family trust him implicitly. Her account detailed how Masood once took her to his empty house, bought her sweets, and made her watch a pornographic video before assaulting her on a bed.

Further allegations revealed that Masood threatened the young girl, warning her that her parents would die if she told anyone about the abuse. The court also heard that he took her to Airedale General Hospital near Keighley, where he indecently assaulted her again in staff accommodation. The severity of the case was underscored by Judge Christopher Batty, who stated, “I don’t think it is any exaggeration to say her life has been ruined.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Batty described Masood as a man who was sexually attracted to the victim and who failed to control his urges during her childhood. The judge emphasized that Masood sought opportunities to be alone with her and exploited her trust, violating the most sacred boundaries. He condemned Masood for disregarding the impact of his actions on the victim’s family and her future, noting that her life had been “irreparably damaged,” leaving her suicidal and depressed since the abuse.

Masood sat emotionless throughout the proceedings, which added to the gravity of the case. His defense, represented by Katherine Pierpoint, highlighted his nearly 40-year career working for the NHS and his previously good character, as well as health concerns. Despite this, the court made it clear that his actions warranted a lengthy custodial sentence.

Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for the victim expressed relief that Masood received a nine-year term but also voiced disappointment that he did not show remorse. The victim’s family and she herself have been profoundly affected, with her stating, “It’s destroyed the whole family and her life.”

Detective Constable Sonia Hutchinson of the Bradford District Safeguarding Unit commended the victim’s bravery in coming forward after more than 30 years of silence. She acknowledged the support from family, friends, and specially trained officers, which helped her find the courage to report the crimes. Hutchinson expressed hope that the sentence would allow the victim to begin to rebuild her life after enduring such a long period of suffering.

Earlier in September 2014, Masood faced warnings from the court about the possibility of a lengthy custodial sentence after being found guilty of six charges of indecent assault. The jury took three hours to reach its verdict at Bradford Crown Court, where it was revealed that the abuse occurred both at Masood’s home and in staff quarters at Airedale Hospital between 1982 and 1985. The victim, now in her late 30s, recounted how the abuse started when she was asked to feed Masood’s cats while his wife was away in India. She described how he bought her sweets and a pornographic video, which he made her watch before molesting her on the sofa and later on a bed upstairs.

Her testimony also included memories of being assaulted at the hospital, which she realized years later after visiting the site with her mother. Masood, who arrived in the UK from India in 1973 and worked at various hospitals including Bradford Royal Infirmary and Middleton Hospital, had no prior convictions or complaints against him according to the General Medical Council. His arrest in July of the previous year marked the beginning of a long investigation into his past crimes, which have now been publicly condemned as a betrayal of the trust placed in him by his victims and the community of Bradford and Allerton.