Five men have been jailed for a combined total of 71 years after sexually abusing two girls in Rochdale between 2002 and 2006. The decade-long investigation culminated on Tuesday 31 October 2023 with the offenders receiving lengthy prison sentences.
The sentences delivered are as follows:
Jahn Shahid Ghani (born 30/03/1973) – 20 years for six counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity.
Mohammed Ghani (born 23/09/1984) – 14 years for five counts of sexual assault.
Insar Hussain (born 23/03/1985) – 17 years for one count of rape and two counts of sexual assault.
Ali Razza Hussain Kazmi (born 26/08/1987) – 8 years for one count of rape and two counts of sexual intercourse with a child.
Martin Rhodes (born 16/02/1984) – 12 years and six months for four counts of sexual assault.
Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock, the lead investigator, praised the courage of the survivors involved in the case. He stated, “First and foremost, I want to put on record my thanks to the survivors. Throughout our investigation and this trial, they have put their trust in my team and have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of their traumatic experiences at the hands of these abhorrent offenders. GMP and specialist support services will continue to support them for as long as they need.”
DCI Laycock also highlighted the vital collaboration between Greater Manchester Police, Rochdale Council, and the Crown Prosecution Service. This teamwork was instrumental in building a strong case that led to the convictions and will help prevent these men from causing further harm.
Sharon Hubber, Director of Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council, condemned the crimes and praised the bravery of the victims. She said, “No amount of time in prison can replace the years that these abusers have stolen from their victims and we again pay tribute to the courage they have shown in bringing these men to justice for their appalling crimes.”
Frances Killeen, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, added, “The men who committed these appalling offences have finally been brought to justice. They all showed a total disregard for the effect their abuse would have on their victims. I hope this conviction will give confidence to other survivors of sexual abuse to come forward. It’s never too late to seek justice.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
