IMRAN HJI AND DEWSBURY GANG SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC SEX OFFENCES AGAINST TEENAGERS

A group of men described as 'devious and manipulative' has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being convicted of heinous crimes involving the sexual abuse, grooming, and trafficking of two teenage girls. The offenders, all from the Kirklees area of West Yorkshire, including Dewsbury, were found guilty at Leeds Crown Court of multiple sex-related offenses that shocked the local community and highlighted the dangers faced by vulnerable young people.

Among those convicted was Imran Hji, a 36-year-old man from Dewsbury, who played a significant role in the series of crimes. The court heard that the group targeted two girls aged 13 and 15, with the abuse taking place at a flat in Dewsbury in 2014. The severity of their actions was underscored by the fact that the victims were minors, and the crimes involved multiple forms of sexual exploitation.

West Yorkshire Police emphasized that the gang had preyed on the most vulnerable members of society, exploiting their trust and innocence for their own depraved purposes. The investigation was initiated after the 13-year-old girl confided in a school welfare officer about the serious sexual assault she had endured. This disclosure prompted a police investigation that uncovered the extent of the offenders' predatory behavior.

The victims first encountered Chothia, a factory worker from Hirstlands Road, Batley, and Ismail Haji, a former taxi driver residing in Rotary Close, Dewsbury, in August at Thornes Park in Wakefield. During this initial meeting, they were introduced to Imran Haji, who was then working as a shop assistant on Manor Way, Batley, as well as Ibrahim Kola, a factory worker from School Crescent, Dewsbury. These meetings marked the beginning of a series of abusive encounters.

The court was told that the girls were subjected to sexual assaults at a property in Dewsbury, with the 13-year-old girl also being abused at another address. The crimes were described as calculated and manipulative, with the offenders taking advantage of the victims' youth and vulnerability. Det Insp Lis Walker of West Yorkshire Police condemned the actions, stating, 'These men took advantage of young and vulnerable victims for the sole purpose of sexually abusing them. They were devious and manipulative in order to achieve their vile objectives.'

Senior Police officials, including Chief Superintendent Mabs Hussain, condemned the gang's behavior, emphasizing that they targeted some of the most vulnerable individuals within the community. The sentencing reflected the gravity of their crimes, with each offender receiving substantial prison terms.

Imran Hji was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of rape and trafficking. His accomplice, Ibrahim Kola, received a ten-year sentence for similar offenses, including rape and trafficking. Mohammed Chothia, who was found guilty of grooming, trafficking, and taking indecent photographs of a child, was sentenced to 13 years. Ismail Haji, the most heavily sentenced, received 19 years for multiple counts of rape, sexual activity with a child, grooming, and trafficking. The sentences underscore the serious nature of these crimes and serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable young people from exploitation.