TALISH AHMED AND TWO OTHERS FROM HUDDERSFIELD SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRL IN THE 1990S

In a significant development in the fight against historic sexual abuse, three men from Huddersfield have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms after being found guilty of grooming and raping a teenage girl during the mid-1990s. The victims' ordeal began when she was just 12 years old, and the perpetrators, who first targeted her while she was performing her paper round, continued their abuse over several years.

Banaras Hussain, Mohammed Akram, and Talish Ahmed, all residents of Huddersfield, were convicted following a detailed trial at Leeds Crown Court. Their crimes were uncovered as part of West Yorkshire Police's extensive investigation known as Operation Tendersea, which focuses on uncovering non-recent sexual abuse cases involving young girls.

The court proceedings revealed that Hussain, aged 44, Akram, also 44, and Ahmed, aged 41, engaged in grooming the girl and subjecting her to sexual abuse when she was between 13 and 15 years old. The abuse was described as particularly heinous, with the court hearing evidence of the manipulative tactics used by the men to exploit the young girl’s innocence.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Thorne commented on the sentencing, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. He stated, "These strong sentences reflect the gravity of these men's crimes against a young, innocent girl who they abused in the most appalling fashion. I hope these convictions again demonstrate to victims that we will do all we possibly can to help you seek justice no matter when the crimes were committed."

Hussain, who resides on Church Street in Huddersfield, was sentenced to 18 years in prison after being convicted of two counts of rape. Mohammed Akram, from Moorbottom Road in Huddersfield, received a 13-year sentence for two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault. Talish Ahmed, of Rashcliffe Hill Road in Huddersfield, was sentenced to 10 years for his involvement in the rape of the young girl.

Operation Tendersea continues to be a key initiative by West Yorkshire Police aimed at addressing and bringing to justice individuals involved in historic sexual abuse cases, ensuring that victims are supported and perpetrators held accountable, regardless of when the crimes occurred.