Dozens of men have been thrown in prison after eight young girls in West Yorkshire were raped, abused, and trafficked over 13 years. The 24 sexual predators were jailed for a total of 346 years for a years-long campaign of abuse in Kirklees, which has been described as “abhorrent in the extreme”. The men were arrested after West Yorkshire Police discovered the crimes, with the latest sentencing taking place at Leeds Crown Court. The multi-year investigation Operation Tourway into sexual exploitation of young girls in North Kirklees, including the towns of Batley and Dewsbury, investigated crimes which took place between 1999 and 2012. Asif Ali (53) from Batley, Mohammed Tausif Hanif (39) from Dewsbury, Ali Shah (38) from Dewsbury, Moshin Nadat (38) from Heckmondwike, Sarfraz Miraf (38) from Dewsbury, Mohammed Nazam Nasser (38) from Batley and Amir Ali Hussain (45) from Batley were all sentenced for multiple offences on Friday. An eighth man was also made subject to a hospital order following a finding of the facts at court.
The men sentenced as part of Operation Tourway were found guilty of rape, sexual abuse, and trafficking of eight young girls in North Kirklees between 1999 and 2012. The men’s identities were initially protected by reporting restrictions, but they can now be named and details of their sentences made public. The investigation began in 2015, with arrests made from November 2018 across West Yorkshire. All suspects were charged in December 2020, and court proceedings started on December 11. The men were sentenced as part of five trials held at Leeds Crown Court between 2022 and 2024. DCI Oliver Coates of Kirklees Police commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward and identifying their abusers, leading to the conviction and sentencing of the perpetrators. The court heard harrowing details of the crimes committed against the young victims, with some men receiving sentences in excess of 20 years for multiple offences.
Some of the men were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for offences including rape, indecent assault, aiding and abetting rape, and trafficking. The severity of their crimes reflected a pattern of appalling sexual abuse and exploitation of young girls over a period of 13 years. The men’s behaviour towards their victims was described as abhorrent and degrading, treating the girls as commodities to be abused and traded at will. Despite this, the women who came forward to report the abuse displayed immense courage and determination, providing crucial evidence that led to the conviction and sentencing of the sexual predators. The completion of these trials marks a significant milestone in the case, bringing justice to the victims and removing dangerous offenders from the community.
The sentencing of the 24 men represents a significant milestone in the long and complex investigation into the sexual exploitation of young girls in Kirklees. The victims’ bravery in giving evidence during lengthy trials and supporting the investigations resulted in the conviction of the perpetrators and the protection of future potential victims. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and partners in prosecuting these cases demonstrates a strong commitment to holding individuals accountable for their heinous crimes. The men were sentenced for offences ranging from rape to trafficking, with some receiving prison terms exceeding 20 years. The successful prosecution of these cases sends a powerful message that sexual predators will face severe consequences for their actions.
The identification and punishment of the sexual predators involved in the exploitation and abuse of young girls in Kirklees underscore the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in society. The sentences handed down to the 24 men reflect the severity of their crimes and the lasting impact on the victims. The trials revealed shocking details of the offenders’ behaviour and the extent of the harm inflicted on the young girls. The lifting of reporting restrictions allows for transparency and public knowledge of the convictions and sentences, highlighting the importance of accountability and justice. The victims’ courage in coming forward and supporting the investigations should be recognized as instrumental in bringing these sexual predators to justice and ensuring the safety of the community. The successful outcome of these trials serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against sexual exploitation and the relentless pursuit of justice for victims.
