MANAF HUSSAIN'S SHOCKING CRIME IN BATLEY AND HECKMONDWIKE: CHILD RAPE CASE ENDS IN FAILURE OF APPEAL

In a harrowing case that has shocked the communities of Batley and Heckmondwike, Manaf Hussain, aged 34, faced a devastating legal setback after his attempt to overturn a life sentence was rejected by the Court of Appeal in London. Hussain was convicted of heinous crimes including the rape and kidnapping of a five-year-old girl, as well as perverting the course of justice, following a trial at Leeds Crown Court in December 2007.

Hussain, who resided on Carriage Way in Heckmondwike, was found guilty of abducting the young girl from her home in Batley while she was sleeping, along with her older sister. The incident occurred in September 2006, and the case drew widespread attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the betrayal of trust involved. The prosecution detailed how Hussain, who was involved in an affair with the girl’s mother, had gone to the child's residence, entered her bedroom, and forcibly removed her from her bed. Witnesses testified that he then drove her in a white Nissan Micra, during which he committed the assault.

The aftermath of the attack was discovered when the girl’s mother found her lying in her bedroom, wearing blood-soaked underwear. The scene was deeply distressing and became the focal point of the investigation. Evidence collected during the trial confirmed that the girl had been raped, with forensic analysis revealing semen on her underwear. Additionally, authorities identified a vehicle matching Hussain’s description in the vicinity at the time of the crime.

Despite Hussain’s vehement claims of innocence, he attempted to shift blame onto the girl’s mother during a phone call to police, asserting her involvement. However, the evidence against him was compelling and conclusive, leading to his conviction. The court found that the physical evidence, including DNA, and the eyewitness testimonies, left little doubt about his guilt.

Hussain’s legal team took the case to the Criminal Appeal Court, arguing that the trial judge had misdirected the jury, which they claimed resulted in an unsafe verdict. Specifically, Guy Kearl QC contended that the judge’s summing-up was unfair because it failed to adequately address certain defense points and downplayed issues with the evidence provided by the girl and her mother. The defense argued that the jury had been presented with an unbalanced view of the case, which could have influenced their decision.

However, the appeal was ultimately unsuccessful. Lord Justice Moses, sitting alongside Mr Justice Openshaw and Judge John Diehl, dismissed the appeal, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the evidence against Hussain. Lord Justice Moses stated, “The case was overwhelming. It required a fair summing up because it was overwhelming. But, having listened to all Mr Kearl has so comprehensively advanced, we reach the conclusion that, in the context of the facts of this case, the summing up was fair.”

As a result, Hussain’s life sentence remains in place, and justice continues to be served for the young victim and her family. The case underscores the severity of such crimes and the importance of thorough judicial procedures in ensuring justice is rightly administered.