HALIFAX MAN IMRAN RAJA YASIN JAILED FOR CHILD ABUSE
In Calderdale, 20 men have received prison sentences totaling over 200 years after convictions related to longstanding child sexual abuse cases.These men were sentenced collectively to more than 219 years for raping and abusing underage girls.
The convictions followed multiple investigations and court sessions, which proved that four girls aged between 12 and 16 had been subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation by these men.
Initially, court restrictions were imposed to protect the legal proceedings; however, these restrictions have since been lifted to allow public disclosure.
The initial probe, started in 2016, focused on reports involving two girls who suffered abuse and exploitation from 2006 to 2009, when they were aged 13 to 16.
The first Bradford Crown Court trial, beginning on October 21, led to these convictions: - Shahzad Nowaz, 45, from Halifax, was convicted of rape and threats to kill, with a total jail term of 11 years.
- Nadeem Nassir, 44, from Halifax, also convicted of similar charges, received an 11-year sentence.
- Sajid Adalat, 48, of Halifax, was found guilty of rape and sentenced to seven years.
- Sohail Zaffer, 41, from Halifax, admitted to rape and supplying a Class C drug, receiving 42 months.
- Shazad Nazir, 49, of Halifax, was convicted of rape and sentenced to 11 years.
A second trial at Bradford Crown Court, which commenced in January 2022, resulted in: - Nadeem Adalat, 39, of Halifax, guilty of rape, initially sentenced to 14 years; this was increased to 16 years after an appeal.
- Asad Mahmood, 38, from Halifax, found guilty of rape, received a 13-year sentence.
- Mohammed Rizwan Iqbal, 39, of Halifax, was sentenced to nine years after being convicted of rape.
- Vaseem Adalat, 38, of Halifax, initially sentenced to 12 years, had his sentence extended to 14 years and 6 months following an appeal.
In 2016, authorities investigated allegations of ongoing sexual abuse of a vulnerable young girl from 2002 to 2006, starting when she was 13.
The trial that began in August 2022 resulted in: - Amir Shaban, 48, of Halifax, convicted of rape, sentenced to 10 years.
Later, a trial starting in October 2022 led to: - Malik Quadeer, 67, of Halifax, convicted of five counts of rape and sentenced to 22 years.
- Mohammed Ziarab, 55, of Halifax, received a 10-year sentence for his conviction.
- Imran Raja Yasin, 45, of Halifax, was sentenced to 10 years.
- Kamran Amin, 48, from Halifax, received a 10-year sentence.
- Mohammed Akhtar, 54, of Halifax, was sentenced to 11 years for rape but died during incarceration.
A further trial from January 2024 involved: - Haroon Sadiq, 40, of Halifax, found guilty of two counts of rape, sentenced to 10 years.
- Shafiq Ali Rafiq, 44, from Dewsbury, convicted of two counts of rape, received 12 years.
- Sarfraz Rabnawaz, 39, of Bradford, also convicted of two counts of rape, was sentenced to 9 years.
An additional investigation into abuse of a girl in Calderdale during 2001-2002, when she was aged 12 to 13, resulted in: - Craig Mitchell, 55, of Halifax, convicted of rape and sentenced to 12 years.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith from Calderdale Police stated: "I commend the bravery of all victims and survivors involved in these investigations; their courage in coming forward and facing the criminal justice system is commendable." "Legal restrictions initially prevented full disclosure, but now these sentences are public.
We welcome the justice served to these offenders for the heinous crimes committed against young girls, proven in court over the last few years." "Child sexual exploitation and abuse are among our top priorities.
Such crimes leave lasting scars, and these prosecutions aim to demonstrate our ongoing efforts to arrest offenders and protect victims." "It’s never too late to report child abuse.
I encourage anyone with past abuse experiences to seek help.
Specialized officers handle these cases with sensitivity and care."
