British-Pakistani Ringleadеr Jailed for 35 Years in Rochdale Grooming Gang Case

A British-Pakistani man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for leading a child sexual exploitation gang. Mohammed Zahid, 54, was convicted of 20 offences against two girls. The sentencing occurred at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday. Six other men received prison terms totalling 174 years for their roles in the abuse.

The convictions follow a major investigation by Greater Manchester Police. The crimes date back nearly 25 years. The victims were groomed as children and subjected to horrific abuse. This case highlights the persistent fight against organized child sexual exploitation in the UK.

Rochdale Grooming Gang Exploited Vulnerable Children

Mohammed Zahid was identified as the ringleader of the group. He groomed the two girls from the age of 13. He plied them with alcohol and drugs before they were abused by other men.

The girls referred to him as “bossman.” Zahid worked informally at a stall in Rochdale Market. This location was central to his grooming activities. The other six convicted men are also of Pakistani heritage.

Systematic Abuse and Police Investigation

The two victims came from vulnerable family situations. They were already known to local social services. The men groomed them with money, gifts, and attention.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the abuse was systematic. One victim was targeted by Mushtaq Ahmed and Kasir Bashir. The other was abused by Roheez Khan, Mohammed Shahzad, Nisar Hussain, and Naheem Akram. Zahid abused both girls.

Mohammed Shahzad, a taxi driver, befriended one girl. He then drove her to isolated locations. There, she was passed around to other taxi drivers for sexual abuse.

Justice After Decades of Trauma

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock commended the victims’ bravery. He stated the men preyed on vulnerability for depraved sexual gain. They showed a callous disregard for the children they abused.

The CPS built a meticulously constructed case. It drew on multiple strands of evidence to support the victims’ testimony. The jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on all seven men for 50 offences, including 30 rapes.

This landmark sentencing for the Rochdale grooming gang brings long-awaited justice. It underscores the critical importance of victim testimony in securing convictions for historical child sexual abuse. The courage of the survivors has ensured these men face the consequences of their horrific crimes.

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What were the specific crimes committed?

The men were convicted of 50 offences. These included 30 counts of rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl for unlawful sex. The abuse occurred over several years in the early 2000s.

How were the victims groomed?

The gang targeted vulnerable girls. They used money, gifts, and attention to gain their trust. They then plied them with alcohol and drugs to facilitate the abuse.

Who led the police investigation?

Greater Manchester Police led the extensive investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit prosecuted the case. The investigation uncovered abuse dating back nearly 25 years.

What was the total prison time given?

The seven men received prison sentences totalling 174 years. Mohammed Zahid, the ringleader, received the longest sentence of 35 years. The other sentences ranged from 12 to 35 years.

Why did the case take so long to prosecute?

Prosecuting historical child sex abuse is complex. It requires gathering evidence from many years ago. The consistent accounts of the two victims, who never met, were crucial to securing the convictions.