SHAHA ALMAN MIAH AND BROTHERS CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BARROW-IN-FURNESS AND LEEDS

In a significant development in the fight against child exploitation, three brothers have been found guilty of serious non-recent child sex offences committed in the towns of Barrow-in-Furness and Leeds. The convictions follow a lengthy and detailed trial at Preston Crown Court, which concluded on 28 October 2024, with sentencing scheduled for 21 February 2025.

Shaha Alman Miah, aged 47, along with his brothers Shaha Amran Miah, aged 48, and Shaha Joman Miah, aged 38, faced multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of minors spanning over a decade, from 1996 to 2010. The case uncovered disturbing details of abuse inflicted upon young girls, some as young as six or seven years old, with the misconduct extending over several years and involving multiple victims.

Shaha Amran Miah was convicted of 16 sexual offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child, rape, kidnapping, intimidation, and sexual assault. His crimes involved three young girls, and the abuse was characterized by a pattern of predatory behavior that left lasting scars on the victims. The court heard that Amran Miah's actions were not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of exploitation.

Shaha Joman Miah was found guilty of 40 offences, which included indecent assault, indecency with a child, sexual activity with a minor, and multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. His misconduct also involved three young girls, with the abuse beginning when they were teenagers. Joman Miah's predatory behavior extended to grooming a 14-year-old girl by showering her with gifts, alcohol, and cigarettes, despite knowing she was under the age of consent.

Meanwhile, the middle brother, Shaha Alman Miah, faced charges of sexual activity with a single girl, aged 15 at the time. During the trial, it was revealed that Alman Miah had started a relationship with her, and during this period, his brother Amran Miah raped her. The court heard that in late 2009, Amran Miah threatened the 15-year-old girl after she spoke to police about the abuse. She was forcibly taken off the street by her hair and shoved into a car driven by a man, who was later identified as Amran Miah. The man questioned her about her police statements and ominously warned her that she would be dead if she disclosed any further information.

Further disturbing details emerged when it was revealed that Amran Miah had threatened a woman who was scheduled to be interviewed by police in 2010 regarding the brothers' activities. Due to these threats, the interview was canceled, effectively silencing potential witnesses and obstructing justice. Despite their convictions, all three men maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty throughout the trial.

The prosecution, led by District Crown Prosecutor Derek Artis of CPS North West’s rape and serious sexual offences unit, emphasized the brutality and calculated nature of the abuse. He praised the bravery of the victims who came forward to support the case, acknowledging the strength it took to confront their abusers and seek justice. The evidence presented included extensive phone records and eyewitness testimonies, which proved decisive in securing the convictions.

In a statement, Mr. Artis expressed hope that the victims could now begin to rebuild their lives, knowing that the men responsible for their suffering would face the consequences of their actions. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors to combat child sexual exploitation and bring offenders to justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the offences occurred.

Details of the convictions include Shaha Amran Miah, born on 12 January 1976, of Leeds, who was found guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault, indecency with a child, rape, kidnapping, intimidation, and sexual assault. Shaha Alman Miah, born on 29 July 1977, also of Leeds, was convicted of three counts of sexual activity with a child. The youngest brother, Shaha Joman Miah, born on 22 June 1986, of Doncaster, was convicted of numerous offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and multiple counts of rape and sexual assault.

As the legal process continues, the community awaits the sentencing of these men, which is scheduled for 21 February 2025, with the hope that justice will be fully served and that the victims can begin the long process of healing from these traumatic experiences.