MOHAMMED SALEEM NASIR FROM DEWSBURY SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN KIRKLEES

A significant and disturbing chapter in the ongoing fight against sexual exploitation in North Kirklees has culminated in the sentencing of dozens of men involved in heinous crimes against young girls. Among those convicted is Mohammed Saleem Nasir, a 48-year-old resident of Dewsbury, who has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in multiple sexual offenses.

These convictions are the result of a comprehensive police investigation known as Operation Tourway, which spanned several years and aimed to uncover and prosecute individuals responsible for the non-recent sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking of young girls in the Kirklees area. The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse that took place over a period extending from 1999 to 2012, involving a total of 24 men who have now been sentenced for their involvement.

The sentencing took place at Leeds Crown Court on April 26, and it marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the crimes committed, which included rape, sexual assault, trafficking, and aiding and abetting sexual offenses. Many of the accused faced multiple charges, with some receiving sentences exceeding 30 years, although most of these were initially protected by reporting restrictions to ensure fair trials.

With the lifting of these restrictions, the identities and sentences of the convicted men are now publicly known. Among the notable sentences is that of Mohammed Saleem Nasir from Dewsbury, who was found guilty of three counts of rape and one count of aiding and abetting rape. His conviction underscores the severity of his crimes and the impact they had on the victims.

Other individuals sentenced include Khurum Raziq from Heckmondwike, who received 22 years after being convicted of eight rape offenses; Nasar Hussain from Dewsbury, sentenced to 18 years for three rape offenses; and Zafar Qayum, also from Dewsbury, who received a 30-year sentence for six counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and three counts of aiding and abetting rape.

Additional sentences ranged from eight to 20 years for various offenses, with some offenders, such as Irfan Khan from Batley, receiving extended licenses following their prison terms. The court also sentenced individuals like Omar Farooq Hussain from Batley to 18 years for four rape offenses, and Sarfraz Hussain Riaz from Dewsbury to 15 years for two rape offenses and attempted rape.

The investigation into these crimes began in earnest in 2015, when safeguarding detectives started examining reports of abuse involving some of the suspects. The police conducted arrests across West Yorkshire starting in November 2018, and by December 2020, all suspects had been formally charged. The subsequent court proceedings, which took place between 2022 and 2024, involved five separate trials at Leeds Crown Court.

Throughout these proceedings, the court heard harrowing accounts from victims and detailed the extent of the offenders' criminal activities. The sentences handed down reflect the gravity of the crimes committed and serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse. The case of Mohammed Saleem Nasir and his co-defendants highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to bring justice to victims and hold perpetrators accountable, no matter how long ago the crimes occurred.