SAJID HUSSAIN FLEEING FROM HUDDERSFIELD GROOMING GANG CASE LEAVES VICTIMS IN FEAR

In November 2018, the community of Huddersfield was shaken by the ongoing distress caused by the case of Sajid Hussain, a man linked to a disturbing grooming gang scandal. Victims and their families have expressed deep concern and frustration over the fact that Hussain remains at large, despite his conviction and the serious charges against him.

One of the victims, known as Girl L, along with her mother, has publicly called on law enforcement authorities to intensify their efforts to locate and apprehend Sajid Hussain. Hussain, who is also known by the nickname 'Fish,' was convicted in his absence and sentenced to 17 years in prison after he managed to evade capture. His disappearance occurred in June of the same year, even though he had previously surrendered his passport as part of his bail conditions, which was meant to restrict his ability to leave the country.

Hussain was aware that he was likely to be involved in the upcoming second trial of Operation Tendersea, scheduled to commence on April 20. During the first trial, he was seen sitting in the public gallery, seemingly trying to gauge the proceedings and perhaps assess his future legal situation. On April 6, he was reportedly subjected to a racially motivated assault by a protester as he entered Leeds Crown Court with friends. However, this incident did not lead to any charges or convictions.

Just eleven days after this event, the jury in the initial trial convicted eight of the ten defendants involved in the case. Meanwhile, on June 1, as another jury was on the verge of convicting Hussain of raping Girl A, he disappeared, effectively going on the run. The presiding judge, Geoffrey Marson QC, acknowledged Hussain's absence during sentencing, stating that his escape would not influence the sentence but would be taken into account once he was apprehended.

Girl L, who was introduced to Hussain through another individual known as Irfan Ahmed, or 'Finny,' provided testimony that linked Hussain to facilitating sexual activity with a minor. Although Hussain was charged with aiding in the commission of sexual acts involving a child, this particular charge was dropped before the trial commenced. Girl L expressed her feelings about the case, stating, "[They’re the ones] who used to most of the time drive me around in cars and take me to parties." She also voiced her belief that Hussain should not have been granted bail initially, suggesting that if he had remained in custody, he might not have gone on the run. She suspects that Hussain may have fled abroad, possibly using a false passport or someone else's identification, despite the fact that he had surrendered his own passport.

When asked whether justice would be fully served until Hussain is caught, Girl L responded with a firm, “No, not at all.” Her mother, who lives in Huddersfield, recounted the ongoing trauma faced by her daughter. She revealed that, years after the abuse, her daughter moved house but was still followed and harassed by individuals linked to the case. The mother explained that her daughter had taken an overdose and was too frightened to return home. She also expressed her concern that police had removed her daughter's panic alarms shortly after Hussain's disappearance, despite her having testified against him.

Regarding the behavior of other individuals involved, the mother noted that she had seen Finny and others in the vicinity, often at local parks or playgrounds, with what appeared to be their children. She expressed her frustration over the initial decision to grant bail to Hussain, stating, “I just think that they should have all been remanded from the beginning and then we wouldn’t have been in this situation.” Her fear is that until Hussain is captured, her daughter and others remain vulnerable, constantly looking over their shoulders. The mother emphasized that her daughter now suffers from trust issues, paranoia, and insomnia, which are direct consequences of the case.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police confirmed that all victims had undergone risk assessments and that safeguarding measures were put in place accordingly. These assessments are ongoing, and the removal of crime prevention alarms was based on the current threat level. The police have issued a warrant for Sajid Hussain's arrest, and efforts continue to locate and apprehend him, as the community and victims await justice.