Seven men, who groomed and sexually abused teenage girls in Rotherham, have been sentenced to a total of 106 years during a two day hearing on Thursday 12 September and Friday 13 September 2024.

Following an investigation by the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood, and a nine-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court, the men were found guilty on 5 June 2024 of sexual offences committed between 2003 and 2006. Operation Stovewood, set up after the Jay Report was published in 2014, remains the UK’s largest investigation into child sexual abuse and focuses on offences committed in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

The seven men were found guilty of multiple charges of sexual abuse of two children who were only 11 and 15 years old when the abuse began.

• Abid Sadiq (43), who was already serving a 20-year prison sentence for previous convictions relating to sexual offences, was sentenced to 24 years with one year to be serve on extended licence;
• Mohammed Siyab (44) was sentenced to a total of 24 years with one year to be served on extended licence;
• Mohammed Zameer Sadiq (49) was sentenced to 15 years and given one on licence;
• Mohammed Amar (42) was sentenced to 14 years in prison and two years on licence;
• Tahir Yassin (38) was sentenced to 13 years;
• Ramin Bari (37) was sentenced for 9 years;
• Yasser Ajaib (39) was sentenced to 6 years in prison with one year to be served on licence.

Zoe Becker of the Crown Prosecution Service said: 

“The cruelty and abuse the victims suffered at the hands of these defendants was horrific and has continued to have a lasting impact on their lives today… I hope these convictions send a clear message that the CPS, working closely alongside law enforcement, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever that abuse took place. All children have the right to feel safe and protected. I encourage anyone who has been in a similar position to come forward to report these incidents to the police. It is never too late to seek justice - you are not alone and there is help available.”

Stuart Cobb, Senior Investigating Officer of the NCA added:

“These men were cruel and manipulative, grooming their victims and then exploiting them by subjecting them to the most harrowing abuse possible. They were responsible for some of the worst offending we have investigated under Operation Stovewood. I can only once again pay tribute to the victims who were brave enough to come forward, tell their stories and confront their abusers. What happened to them can never be undone, but I hope the sentences handed down here will at least give them a sense that their abusers have been held to account and justice has been done. We and our partners will continue to do all we can to support them going forward.”

The eight convictions serve as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to safeguard vulnerable victims and bring offenders to justice reinforcing the message that it is never too late to seek help and support. The continuing success of Operation Stovewood highlights the importance of supporting survivors to enable police forces and agencies to assist them in coming forward.

Contact our specialist child abuse lawyers

Switalskis represent a number of survivors of historical child sexual exploitation, including women who suffered abuse in Rotherham. For a confidential conversation with a member of our specialist team, please call us on 0800 138 0458 email help@switalskis.com .

Gross Misconduct: One Woman’s Legal Journey Through and Beyond Exploitation in Rotherham

David Greenwood, director, solicitor and head of Switalskis abuse team has co-authored a book alongside his client Anna Rotherham (not her real name). In the book Anna shares her experiences of the grooming gangs in Rotherham. Growing up in a working-class family on a council estate, Anna faced challenges from a young age. Her home life was difficult, with her father in prison and experiencing parental neglect. At a young age Anna moved into foster care, seeking a more stable environment.

It was during this time that Arshid "Ash" Hussain came into her life, offering her drugs and alcohol by way of grooming. By the age of 12, Anna had been in contact with the police multiple times, yet there was little intervention.

David Greenwood began working with Anna in 2015, guiding her through the legal process and supporting her through the trials against Hussain. Over the next five years, David and Anna worked together to hold those responsible to account, including Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Police. Hussain was eventually sentenced to 35 years, but the fight for justice continues, with David representing over 100 other survivors.

The book sheds light on the ongoing efforts to seek accountability and support survivors, while highlighting the strength and resilience of those, like Anna, who are determined to rebuild their lives.

Our team is currently handling claims following the 2014 Alexis Jay Report, which exposed serious failures by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) and other authorities. Over 1,400 children were identified as victims of grooming gangs in Rotherham, yet child sexual exploitation remains a concern today.

From denial to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, talking to the police and salvation through caring for her children and horses, this fascinating woman’s story in her own words recounts her journey’s highs and lows with essential context from her lawyer. You can read the Gross Misconduct: One woman’s legal journey through and beyond exploitation in Rotherham on Kindle or paperback. Find out more here.