ALI SHAH AND DEWSBURY MEN SENTENCED IN KIRKLEES SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

A significant crackdown on sexual abuse in North Kirklees has resulted in the imprisonment of dozens of men, with a total combined sentence of 346 years. This outcome follows a comprehensive police investigation into the non-recent sexual exploitation of young girls in the region, specifically within the Kirklees area, which includes Dewsbury, Batley, Heckmondwike, and Wakefield.

On April 26, at Leeds Crown Court, the latest group of convicted offenders received their sentences. These men were part of Operation Tourway, a multi-year operation aimed at uncovering and prosecuting historical cases of sexual abuse and trafficking involving minors. The investigation uncovered disturbing details of abuse spanning from 1999 to 2012, involving eight young girls in North Kirklees.

Among those sentenced was Ali Shah, a 38-year-old man from Dewsbury, who received a 10-year prison term for a single count of rape. His conviction is part of a broader pattern of abuse that has come to light through the court proceedings. Alongside Shah, other men from Dewsbury, Batley, Heckmondwike, and Wakefield faced justice for their roles in these heinous crimes. Notably, Asif Ali, aged 53 from Batley, was sentenced to 24 years for 14 counts of rape, as well as charges related to trafficking and encouraging sexual exploitation.

In total, 24 men have been sentenced so far, with some receiving sentences exceeding 30 years. One individual was also placed under a hospital order following the court's findings. The sentences reflect the severity of their crimes, which include rape, sexual abuse, trafficking, and aiding and abetting these offenses. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the abuse, with some offenders receiving lengthy sentences, such as Zafar Qayum from Dewsbury, who was sentenced to 30 years for multiple counts of rape and indecent assault.

Other notable sentences include Nasar Hussain from Dewsbury, who was sentenced to 18 years for three rape offenses, and Sarfraz Hussain Riaz, also from Dewsbury, who received 15 years for two rape offenses and attempted rape. The court also heard from men like Irfan Khan from Batley, who was sentenced to 12 years plus an extended license for threats to kill and rape offenses, and Omar Farooq Hussain from Batley, who received 18 years for four counts of rape.

The investigation into these crimes began in 2015, with dedicated safeguarding detectives working tirelessly to uncover the truth. The police conducted arrests across West Yorkshire starting in November 2018, and by December 2020, all suspects had been charged. Court proceedings commenced shortly thereafter, with five separate trials held at Leeds Crown Court between 2022 and 2024.

These convictions mark a significant step in addressing historical sexual abuse in the Kirklees area. The community and authorities continue to work together to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.