In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that five additional members of grooming gangs in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, were jailed for the systematic sexual exploitation of children. On appearing at Sheffield Crown Court in 2019, the defendants were sentenced for offences including rape, indecent assault, and child abduction committed between 1998 and 2002. It was reported that the group targeted seven victims, all under the age of 16, plying them with alcohol and drugs before subjecting them to “vile” and “shameful” abuse.
The investigation established that the men targeted vulnerable girls near schools, parks, and bus stations in Rotherham town centre. The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that these convictions were part of Operation Stovewood, a massive inquiry into historic abuse involving an estimated 1,500 victims. The prosecution reported that the lead defendants included Aftab Hussain, 40, who was sentenced to 24 years, and Abid Saddiq, 38, described as a “cunning and determined sexual predator,” who received 20 years.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that relevant authorities at the time were “wholly indifferent” or “ineffectual” in protecting the children. Sheffield Crown Court heard how the abusers treated the girls as sexual objects to be passed around the group, using violence if their demands were not met. The investigation established that the survivors showed “incredible resolve” to provide the evidence necessary to secure these convictions decades after their childhoods were stolen.
Judge Michael Slater noted the profound psychological damage inflicted on the victims, who expressed feelings of self-loathing and guilt for actions forced upon them as children. For their roles in the exploitation in South Yorkshire, Masaued Malik, 35, was jailed for five years, and Sharaz Hussain, 35, received four years. A further man, who cannot be named, was jailed for 10 years, while Mohammed Ashan was remanded for sentencing at a later date.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of the Rotherham offenders is as follows:
- Aftab Hussain: 24 years in prison (2019).
- Abid Saddiq: 20 years in prison (2019).
- Other Sentences: 10 years, 5 years, and 4 years respectively.
- Sex Offenders Register: All defendants were placed on the register for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court following an NCA investigation (Operation Stovewood).
- Criminal Record: Multiple counts of rape, indecent assault, and child abduction.
- Origin: Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Monitoring and Public Protection
The offenders are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by the police and the National Probation Service in South Yorkshire. Due to the nature of their conduct in Rotherham, which involved the organized grooming and rape of multiple children, their management is subject to the highest level of scrutiny. Authorities state that their life-long inclusion on the Sex Offenders Register and stringent post-release licence conditions are essential tools to ensure the survivors are protected and that these individuals never regain access to vulnerable children.
As members of the Sex Offenders Register for life, the men must comply with all notification requirements regarding their identity and residence. Authorities state that the legacy of abuse in Rotherham necessitates permanent vigilance and ongoing investigation into the remaining 190 suspects identified by the NCA. Any future attempt by these men to approach children or engage in inappropriate behaviour in South Yorkshire or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for further incarceration.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.