SAQIB RAHHEEL SENTENCED IN CRADLEY HEATH AND HUDDERSFIELD CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE

In a significant development in the fight against child sexual abuse, three men have been sentenced to a combined total of over 37 years in prison following a detailed investigation by West Yorkshire Police. The case, which uncovered disturbing acts of sexual misconduct spanning over a decade, involved victims from Huddersfield and the surrounding areas, including Cradley Heath.

On Thursday, August 19, at Leeds Crown Court, Zahid Hassan, aged 32, Saqib Raheel, aged 34, and Sholan James, aged 30, received their respective sentences for crimes committed against two vulnerable females. The offences took place between 2007 and 2014, highlighting the long-standing nature of the abuse and the challenges faced by authorities in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

These convictions are part of Operation Tendersea, an extensive investigation launched by West Yorkshire Police to address and resolve cases of non-recent sexual abuse involving young girls in the Huddersfield area. The operation has been instrumental in uncovering a pattern of exploitation and ensuring that justice is served for the victims.

Zahid Hassan, who hails from Huddersfield, was sentenced to 21 years in prison. His conviction includes two counts of rape against one victim, who was 18 at the time, and two additional rapes along with an attempted rape involving a second victim, aged between 16 and 20. Hassan's sentence will be served concurrently with an 18-year term he is already serving for previous offences, underscoring the severity of his criminal conduct.

Saqib Raheel, from Cradley Heath in the West Midlands, received a sentence of 10 years and six months. His conviction pertains to a rape and sexual assault committed against a 15-year-old girl, further illustrating the disturbing nature of the crimes committed.

Meanwhile, Sholan James, residing on New House Road in Huddersfield, was sentenced to six years for a sexual offence involving a 15-year-old victim. His conviction adds to the growing list of offenders held accountable through this ongoing investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Thornes of Kirklees District Police commented on the case, emphasizing the importance of the investigation. He stated, "Operation Tendersea remains a major ongoing investigation into appalling non-recent sexual abuse of a number of vulnerable females in the Huddersfield area. Every conviction and sentencing represents another milestone in securing justice for these brave women."

He further praised the victims for their courage in coming forward, saying, "In coming forwards as they have done, they are playing a key role in getting these men off our streets and making them answer for their dreadful crimes."

Inspector Thornes also issued a stern warning to potential offenders, highlighting the justice system's commitment to tackling sexual exploitation. "The length of the sentences the courts are imposing in these cases strongly reflects how seriously the police and justice system treat sexual exploitation and abuse of this kind and should serve as a stark warning to perpetrators. You will be caught and I can promise we will do everything we can to put you away for a very long time."