MOHAMMED JABBAR QAYUM SENTENCED IN DEWSBURY CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

A significant crackdown on sexual abuse cases involving young girls in North Kirklees has culminated in the imprisonment of dozens of men, with a total combined sentence of 346 years. This outcome follows a comprehensive police investigation that spanned several years, focusing on the non-recent sexual exploitation of minors in the Dewsbury area and surrounding towns.

On April 26, at Leeds Crown Court, the latest group of offenders convicted under Operation Tourway faced their sentencing. This operation, initiated to address the disturbing pattern of abuse, uncovered a dark chapter involving multiple perpetrators who exploited vulnerable young girls between 1999 and 2012. The investigation revealed a disturbing network of individuals involved in rape, sexual abuse, and trafficking, with some of the accused having committed their crimes over a decade ago.

Among those sentenced was Mohammed Jabbar Qayum, a 43-year-old resident of Dewsbury. His conviction was for two counts of rape, crimes committed against a single victim. Qayum received a prison term of 13 years, reflecting the severity of his offenses. His case was part of a broader series of convictions that have brought justice to the victims and highlighted the extent of the abuse in the region.

In total, 24 men have been sentenced so far as part of this ongoing legal process. The sentences range from eight to over 30 years, with some of the most severe penalties handed down to individuals like Zafar Qayum, who was sentenced to 30 years for multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, and aiding and abetting rape. Other notable sentences include Khurum Raziq, who received 22 years for eight rape offences, and Nasar Hussain, who was sentenced to 18 years for three rape offences.

The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of exploitation, with some offenders involved in trafficking and aiding others in their criminal activities. For instance, Zafar Iqbal from Batley was sentenced to 17 years for indecency with a child, trafficking, and multiple rape offences, while Mohammed Saleem Nasir from Dewsbury received 19 years for similar crimes.

One of the most significant sentences was handed to Asif Ali, a 53-year-old from Batley, who was sentenced to 24 years. His conviction included 14 counts of rape, along with charges related to child sexual activity and trafficking for sexual exploitation. His case was particularly notable due to the number of offences and the impact on the victims.

The investigation into these crimes began in earnest in 2015, with dedicated safeguarding detectives working tirelessly to uncover the extent of the abuse. The police conducted arrests across West Yorkshire starting in November 2018, and by December 2020, all suspects had been charged. Court proceedings commenced shortly thereafter, with five separate trials held at Leeds Crown Court between 2022 and 2024.

Throughout these proceedings, reporting restrictions initially limited the disclosure of full details about the offenders. However, with restrictions now lifted, the identities and sentences of all 24 men can be publicly disclosed, providing a measure of closure for the victims and the community. The case underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and the commitment of law enforcement to combat child sexual exploitation in Dewsbury and the wider North Kirklees area.