Rochdale grooming gang leader sentenced for sexual offenses involving two teenage girls
The ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang that exploited two teenage girls as «sex slaves» has been convicted of a series of sexual offenses. The gang members demanded sex in various locations, including filthy flats, cars, car parks, alleyways, disused warehouses, and on dirty mattresses.
Some of the perpetrators targeted the victims while working at an old market stall in the town, operated by Mohammed Zahid, 64, known as ‘Boss man’. Zahid provided free underwear from his lingerie stall to the girls, as well as money, alcohol, and food in exchange for regular sexual favors for him and his associates.
Despite denying the accusations, Zahid was found guilty of 20 offenses, including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to coerce a girl into engaging in unlawful sexual activity. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Additionally, six other men were unanimously convicted by a jury. Kasir Bashir, 50, of Oldham, was found guilty of four offenses, including rape and indecency with a child, and sentenced to 29 years in absentia. Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Oldham, was convicted of nine offenses, including rape and indecency with a child, and received a 27-year prison term. Roheez Khan, 39, of Rochdale, was found guilty of one count of rape and was sentenced to 12 years.
Three more men are awaiting sentencing: Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Rochdale, found guilty of six offenses including rape and assault by penetration; Nisar Hussain, 41, of Rochdale, found guilty of three offenses including rape and assault by penetration; and Naheem Akram, 48, of Rochdale, found guilty of seven offenses including rape and assault by penetration.
Prosecutor Rossano Scamardella KC stated that Zahid’s criminal activities were centered around his market stall, enabling him to groom and introduce many girls to others. The victims, both 13 years old at the start of the abuse and from troubled backgrounds, testified against the perpetrators.
The abusers were found guilty in June of 50 sexual offenses committed between 2001 and 2006. During the trial, it was revealed that the men exploited the vulnerabilities of the victims, causing significant harm to their lives.
One of the victims, identified as ‘Girl B’, bravely approached the police after years of enduring abuse. She expressed the devastating impact of the abuse on her life, detailing how it affected her physical appearance, relationships, and mental health.
Despite the emotional toll of reliving the trauma through multiple interviews and court proceedings, ‘Girl B’ emphasized the importance of seeking justice and encouraged other victims of child sexual exploitation to come forward and seek support from law enforcement.
The conviction of the perpetrators brought a sense of relief to ‘Girl B’, allowing her to begin the process of healing and reclaiming her life from the trauma inflicted by the grooming gang.
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