RASHID IQBAL SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN HUDDERSFIELD FOR CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES

A man accused of child sexual offences has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction in Huddersfield. Rashid Iqbal, aged 46 and residing on Dryclough Road in Huddersfield, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on August 24 after being found guilty of abusing a young girl between 2003 and 2005. The conviction came after a four-day trial last week as part of the ongoing Operation Tendersea investigation, which aims to address non-recent child sexual exploitation in the Huddersfield area.

During the trial, court hearings revealed that Iqbal had sexually abused his victim when she was between 13 and 15 years old within Huddersfield. He was convicted of two offences of causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity, and two offences of indecency with a child under 14.

Operation Tendersea continues to be active, committed to investigating and prosecuting those responsible for historic child sexual exploitation in the region.

DCI Ian Thornes of the Kirklees District Safeguarding Unit stated, “Iqbal richly deserves the sentences given to him at court today for what was targeted and depraved sexual offending against a child. He took advantage of her vulnerability in the worst way, and I wish to commend her courage in coming forward and supporting a prosecution which has taken a child sex offender off our streets.”

He emphasized the police’s dedication to justice, saying, “We are absolutely committed to seeking justice for all victims of sexual offences, no matter when the crimes were committed.” Thornes also urged victims to come forward, adding, “We do put victim’s needs at the heart of every investigation and thoroughly investigate all reports made to us. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of such offending and not reported it to contact us. We will listen, investigate, and help you access any support you may need.”