MOHAMMED AKRA AND HUDDERSFIELD MEN SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN 1990S

Three men from Huddersfield who engaged in the grooming and sexual assault of a teenage girl, whom they first noticed during her paper round at the age of just 12, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms. The offenders, Banaras Hussain, Mohammed Akram, and Talish Ahmed, were found guilty of abusing the girl during the mid-1990s, a period that spanned her early teenage years.

These convictions come after a detailed trial held at Leeds Crown Court, which was part of the extensive investigation known as West Yorkshire Police's Operation Tendersea. This operation has been dedicated to uncovering and prosecuting cases of historical sexual abuse involving young girls in the region.

The court proceedings revealed that Hussain and Akram, both aged 44 at the time of sentencing, along with Ahmed, aged 41, systematically groomed and sexually assaulted the girl when she was between 13 and 15 years old. The abuse was described as particularly heinous, with the offenders exploiting her innocence and trust during a vulnerable period of her life.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Thorne commented on the sentencing, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. He stated, "These strong sentences reflect the gravity of these men's crimes against a young, innocent girl who they abused in the most appalling fashion. I hope these convictions again demonstrate to victims that we will do all we possibly can to help you seek justice no matter when the crimes were committed."

Banaras Hussain, who resided on Church Street in Huddersfield, received an 18-year prison sentence for two counts of rape. Mohammed Akram, living on Moorbottom Road in Huddersfield, was sentenced to 13 years for two counts of rape and an indecent assault. Talish Ahmed, from Rashcliffe Hill Road in Huddersfield, was given a 10-year term for his involvement in the rape.

Operation Tendersea continues to be a significant effort by West Yorkshire Police to address and bring to justice those involved in non-recent sexual abuse cases, reaffirming their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and delivering justice for victims of past crimes.