ZAHID HASAN JAILED FOR OVER 37 YEARS IN 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 more than 37 years in prison for their involvement in heinous crimes committed against young women in Huddersfield. The convictions are part of an extensive investigation led by West Yorkshire Police under the banner of Operation Tendersea, which aims to uncover and prosecute historical sexual offenses involving vulnerable females in the region.

On Thursday, August 19, Leeds Crown Court handed down sentences to Zahid Hassan, aged 32, along with Saqib Raheel, aged 34, and Sholan James, aged 30. These men were found guilty of multiple sexual offences committed over a span of seven years, from 2007 to 2014, targeting two females whose ages ranged from 15 to 20 at the time of the incidents. The crimes, which involved rape and sexual assault, have left a lasting impact on the victims and have been a focus of the ongoing police investigation.

Zahid Hassan, a resident of Huddersfield, received a substantial sentence of 21 years after being convicted of two counts of rape against one victim, who was 18 at the time. Additionally, Hassan was found guilty of two rapes and an attempted rape involving a second victim, who was between 16 and 20 years old during the offences. His sentence will be served concurrently with an existing 18-year term he is currently serving for previous offences, underscoring the severity of his criminal conduct.

Saqib Raheel, from Cradley Heath in the West Midlands, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison. His conviction relates to a rape and sexual assault against a 15-year-old girl, highlighting the disturbing nature of his crimes.

Sholan James, who resides on New House Road in Huddersfield, was sentenced to six years for a sexual offence committed against a 15-year-old victim. His conviction further emphasizes the widespread issue of sexual exploitation in the Huddersfield area.

Commenting on the convictions, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Thornes of Kirklees District Police emphasized the importance of the ongoing 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 added, "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. 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."