REDWAN SIDQQUE AND NEWCASTLE SEX ABUSE RING: HORRIFIC CRIMES EXPOSED IN NORTH EAST
| Red Rose Database
Newcastle Grooming Gang Member
A disturbing case involving the exploitation and sexual abuse of young girls in Newcastle has culminated in the conviction of 18 individuals, revealing a deeply organized and systematic operation targeting vulnerable victims. Among those convicted is Redwan Siddquee, who pleaded guilty to supplying a class B drug and was subsequently sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Over the course of multiple trials, authorities uncovered a heinous network where young girls, some as young as 14, were manipulated, drugged, and coerced into sexual acts. The victims, many from the West End of Newcastle, were lured to parties—referred to as "sessions"—where alcohol and drugs, including mephedrone (commonly known as M-Kat), were readily available. Coffee tables at these gatherings often had bags of M-Kat left openly for the girls to help themselves, illustrating the calculated nature of the abuse.
The court heard that these parties took place at various locations around the West End, including the top floor of the tower block known as Todd's Nook. One teenage girl recounted being raped three times at this particular venue. Prosecutors described the victims as being passed between different abusers within an organized, cynical operation designed to exploit their vulnerability. Many victims were so intoxicated that they could not defend themselves, and some became addicted, feeling compelled to perform sexual acts in exchange for drugs.
Testimonies from victims painted a grim picture. One girl, who attended approximately 60 parties, described her experiences, while another recounted being taken to an address where she encountered two older men and a woman who appeared "frightened and scared, like a slave." She explained that they threatened her with violence if she refused to comply, and that she was told she could only leave if she engaged in sexual acts. Another victim revealed that she knew she had to perform sexual acts to obtain drugs or alcohol, with one abuser locking the door and coercing her into sex under threat.
In response to these crimes, Northumbria Police launched Operation Sanctuary in December 2013, an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against girls and young women. The operation has resulted in 461 arrests, with police speaking to 703 potential complainants and identifying 278 victims to date. Due to the investigation's scale, it was divided into several spin-off operations, including Operation Shelter, which uncovered groups of men in the West End of Newcastle exploiting vulnerable young women from 2010 to 2014.
The investigation led to four separate trials, the first beginning in September 2015 and the most recent concluding recently, allowing previous reporting restrictions to be lifted. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that police paid a convicted child rapist, Bahmani Ahmadi, £10,000 as an informant—a controversial decision that drew criticism. Chief Constable Steve Ashman emphasized that the police would continue their relentless pursuit of justice, asserting that there was no political correctness in their approach and that all offenders would be targeted using every available resource.
One particularly troubling aspect of the case involved a police officer who was dismissed for failing to investigate a sex offender’s phone during an earlier phase of Operation Sanctuary. This officer’s negligence was linked to the case of Bahmani Ahmadi, whose conviction was part of the broader investigation. Mr. Ashman stated that the dismissal was a sign of the police’s commitment to reform and accountability, aiming to reassure the public that such misconduct would not be tolerated.
The list of convicted individuals includes a range of charges from conspiracy to incite prostitution, rape, trafficking, and drug offenses. Notably, Mohammed Saiful Islam, 34, received a ten-year sentence for rape, while Mohammed Hassan Ali, 33, was jailed for seven years for sexual activity with a child and drug supply. Abdulhamid Minoyee, 33, was convicted of rape, sexual assault, and drug supply, and others received sentences varying from two to ten years. Redwan Siddquee, aged 32 and residing on West Road, pleaded guilty to offering or supplying a class B drug and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Community leaders and law enforcement officials have expressed their outrage and commitment to preventing such crimes in the future. Newcastle City Council has initiated a serious case review concerning victims in local authority care, which is expected to be published in December. Council leader Nick Forbes condemned the acts as "vile crimes committed by evil men," praising the bravery of the victims who have come forward. Chief Constable Ashman reaffirmed the police’s dedication to eradicating such exploitation, emphasizing that no effort would be spared in bringing offenders to justice and protecting vulnerable populations in Newcastle.
Over the course of multiple trials, authorities uncovered a heinous network where young girls, some as young as 14, were manipulated, drugged, and coerced into sexual acts. The victims, many from the West End of Newcastle, were lured to parties—referred to as "sessions"—where alcohol and drugs, including mephedrone (commonly known as M-Kat), were readily available. Coffee tables at these gatherings often had bags of M-Kat left openly for the girls to help themselves, illustrating the calculated nature of the abuse.
The court heard that these parties took place at various locations around the West End, including the top floor of the tower block known as Todd's Nook. One teenage girl recounted being raped three times at this particular venue. Prosecutors described the victims as being passed between different abusers within an organized, cynical operation designed to exploit their vulnerability. Many victims were so intoxicated that they could not defend themselves, and some became addicted, feeling compelled to perform sexual acts in exchange for drugs.
Testimonies from victims painted a grim picture. One girl, who attended approximately 60 parties, described her experiences, while another recounted being taken to an address where she encountered two older men and a woman who appeared "frightened and scared, like a slave." She explained that they threatened her with violence if she refused to comply, and that she was told she could only leave if she engaged in sexual acts. Another victim revealed that she knew she had to perform sexual acts to obtain drugs or alcohol, with one abuser locking the door and coercing her into sex under threat.
In response to these crimes, Northumbria Police launched Operation Sanctuary in December 2013, an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against girls and young women. The operation has resulted in 461 arrests, with police speaking to 703 potential complainants and identifying 278 victims to date. Due to the investigation's scale, it was divided into several spin-off operations, including Operation Shelter, which uncovered groups of men in the West End of Newcastle exploiting vulnerable young women from 2010 to 2014.
The investigation led to four separate trials, the first beginning in September 2015 and the most recent concluding recently, allowing previous reporting restrictions to be lifted. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that police paid a convicted child rapist, Bahmani Ahmadi, £10,000 as an informant—a controversial decision that drew criticism. Chief Constable Steve Ashman emphasized that the police would continue their relentless pursuit of justice, asserting that there was no political correctness in their approach and that all offenders would be targeted using every available resource.
One particularly troubling aspect of the case involved a police officer who was dismissed for failing to investigate a sex offender’s phone during an earlier phase of Operation Sanctuary. This officer’s negligence was linked to the case of Bahmani Ahmadi, whose conviction was part of the broader investigation. Mr. Ashman stated that the dismissal was a sign of the police’s commitment to reform and accountability, aiming to reassure the public that such misconduct would not be tolerated.
The list of convicted individuals includes a range of charges from conspiracy to incite prostitution, rape, trafficking, and drug offenses. Notably, Mohammed Saiful Islam, 34, received a ten-year sentence for rape, while Mohammed Hassan Ali, 33, was jailed for seven years for sexual activity with a child and drug supply. Abdulhamid Minoyee, 33, was convicted of rape, sexual assault, and drug supply, and others received sentences varying from two to ten years. Redwan Siddquee, aged 32 and residing on West Road, pleaded guilty to offering or supplying a class B drug and was sentenced to 16 months in prison.
Community leaders and law enforcement officials have expressed their outrage and commitment to preventing such crimes in the future. Newcastle City Council has initiated a serious case review concerning victims in local authority care, which is expected to be published in December. Council leader Nick Forbes condemned the acts as "vile crimes committed by evil men," praising the bravery of the victims who have come forward. Chief Constable Ashman reaffirmed the police’s dedication to eradicating such exploitation, emphasizing that no effort would be spared in bringing offenders to justice and protecting vulnerable populations in Newcastle.