AJAZ AHMED, THE RUTHLESS ROCHDALE CHILD ABUSER, SENTENCED TO 28 YEARS IN PRISON

A man described as a 'callous and prolific' child abuser has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after a series of heinous crimes committed in Rochdale. Ajaz Ahmed, aged 56, used both his residential flat and a local cafe as venues to groom and sexually assault vulnerable underage girls, with his actions coming to light through a detailed investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

In January 2016, authorities identified the first victim after she disclosed that she had been raped by multiple men during a party held at Ahmed's flat on Drake Street in Rochdale. The victim was only 13 years old at the time. Following a comprehensive trial, Ahmed was convicted of 23 separate offences, including multiple counts of rape and sexual assault involving minors. He was subsequently sentenced to 28 years in prison at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court.

During police interviews, Ahmed, who does not have a fixed address, initially claimed ownership of the flat but insisted he was unaware of who his tenants were at the time of the offences. Despite his denials, evidence against him was overwhelming. The investigation also revealed that Ahmed had engaged in a coercive and controlling relationship with another young woman when she was just 15. She recounted that he had raped and sexually assaulted her on numerous occasions, subjecting her to a prolonged period of physical and emotional abuse that police described as 'horrific and sustained.'

Further testimonies emerged from other victims. One woman, who was just shy of her 16th birthday, told police that she had met Ahmed at a cafe he owned. He offered her a flat in exchange for work at the cafe, but the relationship quickly turned abusive. She reported that he sexually assaulted her in the kitchen and later took her to nightclubs, where he bought her alcohol. The abuse culminated in Ahmed taking her to the basement of his Drake Street property and raping her.

Another victim, aged 15, came forward during the investigation. She knew Ahmed as AJ and was offered a room in his flat. She described how he would often enter her flat unannounced and repeatedly raped her. She recounted a particularly distressing incident where Ahmed, laughing, raped her in front of several men he had invited over for drinks.

The fifth woman, aged 17, also reported that she met Ahmed late at night and was offered a place to stay. However, she refused to engage in any sexual activity with the men he suggested, and Ahmed subsequently took her back to his flat, where he sexually assaulted her. Her account added to the mounting evidence of his predatory behavior.

Detective Constable Ann Cooper Poole praised the bravery of all the victims who came forward. She emphasized that it was the courage of just one survivor that initiated the case, leading to the gathering of sufficient evidence to convict Ahmed. She stated, 'It took just one brave survivor to come forward and detail her abuse, and it opened up an entire case which resulted in us obtaining evidence that Ahmed was a callous and prolific sex offender. These girls had their childhoods and teen years tainted in the most abhorrent way, and they experienced what no one should ever have to endure.'