After a lengthy trial at Leeds/ Bradford Crown Court, six men were found guilty of sexual assaults and rape. Five of the men were sentenced today. The offences relate to child grooming and sexual exploitation in the Huddersfield area. Five of the men were sentenced today receiving a combined total of 45 years in custody.

Umar Zaman and Samuel Fikru who were both convicted of two counts of rape both received prison sentences of 8 years. Banaris Hussain who was convicted of one count of rape will be sentenced on Monday.

The other three men who cannot be named for legal reasons received sentences of 14, 8 and 7 years in prison.

The horrific offences took place between 2005 and 2008 and the young girls, who were particularly vulnerable, were between ages 12 and 16.

When sentencing HHJ Marson QC stated that the “victim statements were harrowing” and that ”it is likely that all of these girls will never recover”. He stated that the “sentences I pass on [you] are severe. They are meant to be severe”.

David Greenwood director and head of the child abuse department said:

The sentences reflect the seriousness of these offences. Street exploitation of girls has become a scourge on our towns and cities. The police are now tackling these cases and offenders should fear the next knock on their door.

Switalskis represent a number of the victims of sexual exploitation and grooming in West Yorkshire, as well as over 80 survivors of child sexual exploitation in England.

If you would like to talk to someone in the Child Abuse department in confidence then please do not hesitate to contact us. Call 0800 138 4700 or email help@switalskis.com