ZAFAR QAYUM SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS IN DEWSBURY FOR SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN KIRKLEES

A comprehensive crackdown on historical sexual offenses in North Kirklees has culminated in the imprisonment of dozens of men, with a total combined sentence of 346 years. The convictions stem from a lengthy and detailed police investigation into the exploitation and abuse of young girls, some of whom were as young as teenagers, spanning over a decade from 1999 to 2012. The investigation, known as Operation Tourway, was a multi-year effort aimed at uncovering and prosecuting those responsible for these heinous crimes.

On April 26, at Leeds Crown Court, the latest group of offenders received their sentences, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the victims. Among those convicted are individuals from various towns within West Yorkshire, including Dewsbury, Batley, Heckmondwike, Wakefield, and Leicester. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the abuse, which involved rape, sexual assault, trafficking, and aiding and abetting criminal acts.

Notably, Zafar Qayum, a 44-year-old man from Dewsbury, was sentenced to an extensive 30 years in prison. His conviction included six counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and three counts of aiding and abetting rape. The severity of his sentence reflects the gravity of his offenses and the impact on the victims. Qayum's case was among the most serious, with most of the lengthy sentences initially protected by reporting restrictions to ensure a fair trial. However, with restrictions now lifted, full details of his crimes and sentence are publicly available.

Other significant sentences include Asif Ali from Batley, who received 24 years for 14 counts of rape, along with additional charges related to trafficking and inciting sexual activity involving minors. Similarly, Nasar Hussain from Dewsbury was sentenced to 18 years after being found guilty of three rape offenses. The court also handed down sentences to several other men, such as Ansar Qayum (20 years), Mohammed Jabbar Qayum (13 years), and Mohammed Imran Zada (15 years), each convicted of multiple offenses involving young girls.

The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern of exploitation, with some offenders involved in trafficking and facilitating abuse across different locations. Sarkaut Yasen from Dewsbury, for example, was sentenced to 15 years for trafficking and aiding in rape, while Mohammed Saleem Nasir, also from Dewsbury, received 19 years for similar crimes. The sentences reflect the seriousness with which the court viewed these offenses and the commitment to holding offenders accountable.

Authorities began their inquiries in 2015, focusing on reports of non-recent abuse. The investigation intensified with arrests made from November 2018 across West Yorkshire. By December 2020, all suspects had been formally charged, and court proceedings commenced shortly thereafter. The trials, held at Leeds Crown Court between 2022 and 2024, have resulted in convictions for 24 men so far, with some receiving sentences exceeding 30 years. The investigation continues, and more suspects may still be uncovered as inquiries proceed.

In summary, this extensive legal process has brought justice to many victims of sexual exploitation in North Kirklees. The sentences handed down serve as a stark reminder of the community's commitment to confronting and eradicating such crimes, ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions and that victims receive the recognition and justice they deserve.