ROTHERHAM CHILD SEX ABUSE: FIVE JAILED FOR EXPLOITING GIRLS
In a recent trial, five men have been found guilty of sexually abusing eight teenage girls in Rotherham over a period of more than a decade.The victims, who were vulnerable due to their circumstances, were manipulated with alcohol and drugs, and some were subjected to repeated rapes by multiple offenders.
Aftab Hussain, 40 years old, received a prison sentence of 24 years, while 38-year-old Abid Saddiq was sentenced to 20 years after the judge called him a "determined sexual predator." The presiding judge, Michael Slater, criticized authorities for their inaction at the time, describing their response as either "totally ineffectual" or "wholly indifferent." The other defendants include Masaued Malik, aged 35, sentenced to five years, and Sharaz Hussain, 35, who received four years.
Another man, who cannot be publicly identified for legal reasons, was sentenced to 10 years.
These offenses spanned from 1998 to 2002 in South Yorkshire.
The case is linked to Operation Stovewood, a major probe by the National Crime Agency into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham from 1997 to 2013, during which it is estimated that 1,510 teenagers were exploited.
Judge Slater voiced his disappointment with the authorities’ past response and honored the bravery of the victims, some of whom appeared in court and provided impact statements, sharing their painful experiences to seek justice.
He commended their "incredible resolve and bravery." Saddiq was convicted of two counts of rape, five of indecent assault, and two counts of child abduction.
Hussain, Malik, and another defendant, who remains unnamed due to legal restrictions, were convicted of indecent assault.
Malik, who is already serving a 15-year sentence for similar crimes, will have his current sentence applied once this case concludes.
The unnamed defendant was convicted previously and will be sentenced later, while Mohammed Ashan, who admitted guilt earlier, is awaiting sentencing.
Victims, some of whom attended the hearing and others who provided impact statements, demonstrated notable courage.
Rotherham’s Chief Superintendent Una Jennings praised their bravery in bringing their abusers to justice.
The sentences aim to recognize the suffering of the victims and deter future offenses, although they cannot undo the harm done.
