A Rochdale grooming gang leader, Mohammed Zahid, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in the sexual exploitation of minors. The 65-year-old, also known as “Boss Man,” was convicted for raping two schoolgirls, identified as Girl A and Girl B. He lured them with gifts of free underwear from his market stall in exchange for sex.
Major Sentencing in Rochdale Case
The sentencing occurred at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court. In total, Zahid was one of seven men convicted of various sexual offenses committed between 2001 and 2006. The offenses involved shocking details of exploitation and abuse.
Details of the Abuses
During the trial, it was revealed that the victims were abused from the age of 13. They were exploited in various locations, including filthy flats, car parks, alleyways, and warehouses around Greater Manchester. The girls experienced severe exploitation, being treated like “sex slaves” expected to comply with the men’s demands.
- Girl A: Reported being targeted by hundreds of men whose contacts were shared widely.
- Girl B: Stated that she was living in a children’s home and was aware that authorities were notified but took no action.
Systemic Failures
Both girls had troubled home lives and were provided with drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes by their abusers. Police and social services had previously faced criticism for not acting on reports about the girls’ exploitation. A social services report acknowledged their awareness yet implied a lack of urgency in addressing the situation.
Convictions and Sentences
| Name | Age | Sentence | Offenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammed Zahid | 65 | 35 years | Rape, indecency with a child |
| Mushtaq Ahmed | 67 | 27 years | Repeated counts of rape, indecency with a child |
| Kasir Bashir | 50 | 29 years | Repeated counts of rape, indecency with a child |
| Mohammed Shahzad | 44 | 26 years | Repeated counts of rape |
| Naheem Akram | 49 | 26 years | Repeated counts of rape |
| Nisar Hussain | 41 | 19 years | Repeated counts of rape |
| Roheez Khan | 39 | 12 years | Single count of rape |
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock noted that the men preyed on the vulnerability of the young girls for their “depraved sexual gain.” He highlighted their ongoing lack of remorse in light of the extensive investigation.
Liz Fell, a specialist prosecutor, commended the victims for their bravery in coming forward. She emphasized the need for accountability regarding the systemic failures that allowed such abuse to continue unchecked for years.
The case continues to resonate within the community, prompting discussions on the need for vigilant protection of vulnerable minors.
