Search results for Chester

Description

A man has been jailed for three years following a collaborative investigation by Essex Police and officers in the East Midlands.

Neil Wilkin had denied attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence.

However following a three-day trial at Ipswich Crown Court in October, the jury found him guilty on both counts.

They heard that in 2022 the 55-year-old used an online chat room to discuss and plan committing child sexual offences with another user on the platform who he thought was the mother of a teenage girl.

What he didn’t know was that he was interacting with police officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.

"pack of lies"

In November 2022 Essex Police officers arrested Wilkin at his home in Rose Allen Avenue, Colchester.

He was sitting with numerous electronic devices around him and these were all seized. During a forensic examination of his devices, which showed signs of evidence being deleted, conversation threads between Wilkin and the officer were recovered.

Wilkin didn’t answer questions during interview, but in a prepared statement he denied the allegations, claiming it was all “fantasy”.

On Friday 28 November Judge Kelly sentenced him to three years in prison and said Wilkin told a ‘pack of lies’ during his trial.

He was also placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and is subject to 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Essex Police investigating officer Detective Sergeant Nicola Hadfield said:

Wilkin is a sexual predator who preyed on the vulnerability of someone who he believed was under-age.

His deviant behaviour was stopped by collaborative working by police here in Essex and in the Midlands.

We will be managing him as a sexual offender upon his release, and he will be closely monitored.

Safeguarding children and keeping them safe is our priority and we will relentlessly pursue offenders and bring them before the courts.

Description

A paedophile who used fake online profiles to groom and sexually assault teenage girls has been jailed for 10 years, with an additional three years on license.

Scott Kirkham, from Tameside in Greater Manchester, was caught posing as a teenage after an investigation by our Complex Safeguarding Team in Tameside in conjunction with several police forces.

Kirkham pleaded guilty to 30 offences:

• Sexual communication x6
• Cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity x10
• Cause a child to watch a sexual act x6
• Engaging in sexual activity with a child x5
• Malicious communication x2
• Sexual assault on a female over 16

Kirkham, (7/2/2002), of Hope Street, Audenshaw, was jailed for 10 years at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. He will spend another three years on license, have an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and remain on the sex offenders' register. 

His offending first came to light after reports from Oxfordshire and south Wales tracked his IP address to Tameside.

He created numerous social media accounts, pretending to be teenager ‘Jake Richardson’ aged 14-16 and using a fake photo to befriend and groom nine vulnerable victims aged from 13 to 17 between March 2020 and April 2021.

He met three of his victims – sometimes with their parents present – in Cumbria and Blackpool, and also sexually assaulted one girl at his address in Tameside.

Detective Constable Angela Pavitt, from our Tameside Complex Safeguarding Team, said:

“We had a report from Oxfordshire and one from south Wales where the IP of the suspect was tracked to Tameside – as part of our investigation we tied these reports to Kirkham.

“Kirkham targeted vulnerable girls, some who were self-harming or in care, pretending to be ‘Jake Richardson’.

“The victims turned to him for help and support – often he would mock them and encourage them to self-harm.

“He met his victims on five occasions, in Manchester, Blackpool, Cumbria and Tameside, and carried out his vile abuse.”

Kirkham was arrested in April 2021 and charged with 41 offences, eventually pleading guilty to 30, and had been on remand since December 2024.

During the investigation, his electronic devices were seized and forensically examined – they included multiple email and social media accounts, and archived WhatsApp chats with teenage girls.

Some of the messages Kirkham sent contained explicit images of his body parts.

DC Pavitt said:

“We welcome the conviction and sentence of Kirkham, who is a manipulative and dangerous individual who posed a significant threat to vulnerable children in our community.

“Kirkham engaged in a sustained campaign of deceit, coercion, and abuse, using fake online identities to groom and exploit young victims.

“Thanks to the bravery and resilience of the victims, and the tireless work of the Tameside Complex Safeguarding Team, under Operation Casement, we have successfully removed a high-risk sexual predator from our streets.

“Kirkham’s actions were calculated and predatory, and his conviction reflects the seriousness of the offences committed.

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the victims and their families for their courage throughout the investigation and trial - their strength has been instrumental in securing justice and protecting others from further harm.

“Greater Manchester Police remains committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals. We urge anyone with concerns or information about exploitation to come forward. Together, we can continue to protect our communities and hold offenders accountable.

“You will be believed and listened to, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.”

Kirkham's actions have had a significant and detrimental affect on his victims.

Our Complex Safeguarding teams are multi-agency units comprising children’s social care and health professionals working with police officers to protect children and young people from exploitation and harm.

Detective Chief Inspector Anna Barker, GMP's Vulnerability Lead in Tameside, said:

"At the heart of the team’s mission is a commitment to safeguarding through prevention, education, and enforcement.

"Police officers embedded within the team attend daily multi-agency meetings to support with decision making, engage directly with children and families, and lead investigations into exploitation offences. 

"This integrated model ensures that children receive holistic support while perpetrators are identified, disrupted, and prosecuted."

Description

A man who subjected his partner to months of coercive control and sexual abuse has been sentenced to 19 years in prison with an additional five years on license following release.

Michael Ball (05/10/1994) of Beechwood Crescent, Leigh was found guilty of four counts of rape and two counts of controlling and coercive behaviour in relation to two victims. A restraining order is also in place against Ball and he will permanently remain on the sex offender's register. 

In a trial at Bolton Crown Court in September, the jury heard how between October 2020 and January 2021, Ball controlled every aspect of his partner’s – Jasmin – life. He dictated what clothes she could wear, calling her a ‘slag’ if he did not think her clothing was appropriate, and isolated her from family and friends who had warned her about his behaviour.

His controlling ways did not end there. Ball would monitor her movements constantly, prevented her from attending social gatherings, and even forced her to quit her job as a carer. He also took out loans in her name and accessed her bank accounts without consent.

Jasmin was also told to remain upstairs when parties were hosted at their address, with Ball telling guests that she wasn’t in so they couldn’t talk to her. She was repeatedly assaulted during the relationship, often leaving her with bruises.

The court also heard that the 31-year-old strangled her on several occasions, including one harrowing incident where he wrapped a dressing gown cord around her neck and attempted to choke her.

In January 2021 the abuse escalated to sexual violence. Jasmin recalls how she told Ball no when he came upstairs asking her for sex whilst being in an intoxicated manner. However, two hours after that interaction, she awoke to him raping her.

She was too terrified to resist, knowing he had previously threatened to kill her if she ever reported him to police.

Officers arrested ball on 19 January 2021 following this the above incident and denied all allegations while in custody.

Ball was later charged with five counts rape, one count of control and coercion, and a Section 47 assault. He was also found guilty at court of two counts of rape relating to a victim from the Lancashire area.

Jasmin, who has bravely waived her right to anonymity, read out her victim impact statement at court, she said:

“I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that it will all be okay and you will get through this. Since 2021 my life has completely changed, and it has taken me such a long time to feel like myself.

“On occasion when I do unfortunately think back to the relationship and the things which Michael did to me like the assaults, putting me in the suitcase and abuse I still remember the feeling of him touching me, how it felt on my body when he was doing it to me.

“It did take me some time, but I did manage to get in a relationship and I am now the proud mum to a lovely son who is my whole world and I know that through my love and care he will not treat any women or person the way Michael treated me.

"I know that I am entitled to life-long anonymity, but I feel now that I am free from everything and I am happy to waive this right in order to stand up for what is right and not be silenced or restricted from saying what happened to me.

“I have also now started a domestic abuse survivors group session and even though it is early I feel this will help me with processing anything left which I need to.”

Jessica Daley, Independent Domestic & Sexual Abuse Advisor from Wigan Council said: 

“It’s been a long and difficult journey to justice but I’m immensely proud of Jaz – her resilience, bravery and how far she’s come over the past few years.

“Much as I’m thrilled for her, any sentence he gets doesn’t make up for the fact that he never should have abused her in the first place.”

Detective Sergeant Sean Goddard from our Wigan division said:

"This case demonstrates the devastating impact coercive control and sexual violence can have on a victim. Michael Ball stripped away Jasmin’s independence, dignity, and safety through and manipulation.

“His actions were calculated and relentless, leaving Jasmin feeling trapped and terrified in her own home.

“I would like to commend her courage in speaking out, and in the process waving her right to anonymity, and wanting to send a clear message that abuse in any form will never be tolerated.

"I am incredibly proud of Jasmin for the bravery she's shown in coming forward and throughout the investigation. It takes a huge amount of strength to speak up about domestic abuse and we understand reaching out is never easy.

"The courage Jasmine has shown is truly remarkable and we will continue to support her throughout her journey as she continues to move forward and heal.

“We will pursue the likes of Ball and bring them before the courts, no matter how long it takes. If you are suffering abuse, please reach out – help and support are available, and you do not have to face this alone."

Description

Stephen Heap has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for sexual assaults on a female in the Vale of Glamorgan.

His offences were reported to South Wales Police when a victim bravely came forward in 2020.

Witnesses were traced across the UK as part of a thorough and protracted investigation.

Heap, of Chadderton, Oldham, denied the offences but was found guilty following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court in June 2025.

He was convicted of nine offences - four indecent assaults, two sexual assaults, assault of a child by penetration, sexual activity with a child and assault by penetration.

The 58-year-old was sentenced at Merthyr Crown Court on November 7, 2025, to 16 years in prison plus one-year extended licence.

In a statement to the court, the victim described experiencing nightmares, feeling isolated, and ‘unable to trust anyone’, because of Heap’s actions.

Officer in the case Detective Constable Stephen Jenkins, from South Wales Police, said:

“Justice would not have been obtained had it not been for the immense strength, courage and resilience demonstrated by the victim throughout the five-year period comprising of the investigation and the court process.

“I hope that the outcome at court allows the victim to find some peace and live the life that she deserves.”

Description

On Thursday 13 November 2025 at Manchester Crown Court, William Howarth (28/07/2002), of Miles Platting, was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison with a further six years on licence, at Manchester Crown Court.

It follows an investigation by our Sex Offender Crime Investigation Team (SOCIT) after Howarth was found to be in possession of an unregistered mobile phone in a visit from his offender manager in 2023, due to him being an already registered sex offender managed by GMP through a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).  

Howarth was subject to routine checks where he had to register his mobile device and hand it over to his offender manager from our Sex Offender Management Unit (SOMU) during home visits. 

Howarth was found to be in breach of his SHPO, and his mobile device was immediately seized and through forensic analysis, a number of messages were found to have been sent to several young girls under the age 16. 

An investigation was immediately launched, and with the help of police forces across the country, we managed to trace the children Howarth had been in communication with and they bravely agreed to give their accounts. 

One of the child victims told police how Howarth would call her “fat” and a “whore”. Whilst he told another girl how he liked her petite body and how big he would look next to her.

Another victim was living in terror after Howarth told her that nobody would believe what she had to say because she was young. In a message to her, he said “it sounds wrong but honestly don’t want to leave you. I’d rather risk it with you then leave u”, following him then disclosing to her his real age.  

Howarth would send messages to these child victims about what he would like to do to them sexually, and would frequently request indecent images of themselves, directing what poses he wanted them to do for him. In return, he would send them videos of himself masturbating. 

The child victims also explained how they felt pressured into sending him pictures of themselves to Howarth, and some were even subjected to threats from him. 

One child victim described to police how she blocked Howarth on a social media site, but that she would receive friend requests from different accounts he would use to continue to message her. When he did manage to message her, he would threaten to distribute images of her online. 

Howarth displayed controlling behaviour over the children he had been in contact with, not allowing them to refuse his requests. When the children attempted to make a stand and refuse to send further images, Howarth would threaten them by stating if they didn’t do as he asked, he would post their images online for people to see. 

In a hearing at Manchester Crown Court on 10 November 2025, Howarth pleaded guilty to the following 35 offences: 

Description

A sex offender who served a year in prison for possessing a quarter-million indecent images has breached his sexual harm prevention order by deleting his WhatsApp history.

Jonathon Turkentine, 68, was jailed in 2022 but denied any sexual interest in children. His barrister told Ipswich Crown Court he viewed the images and movies for "artistic reasons" while researching the "perfect female form."

As part of his sentence, Turkentine received a ten-year sexual harm prevention order prohibiting him from deleting internet or message history.

Court papers show he breached it by deleting WhatsApp photos and enabling an auto-delete setting for messages.

Turkentine, of Mersea Road, Colchester, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court last week and admitted one count of breaching the order.

Magistrates fined him £141, plus £110 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service and a £56 victim surcharge, totaling £307.

He must pay by December 3.

Description

Shazad Mughal (13/11/1977) of Tansley Road, Crumpsall was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison on Friday 7 November 2025 after being found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration.

On Wednesday 10 August 2022, officers received a 999 call from the victim at 12:45am who said she had been sexually assaulted.

The victim asked Mughal, who was working as a security guard, for directions to Manchester city centre after their tram had terminated earlier than expected.

Mughal allowed the victim to use the toilet before sexually assaulting her in his security booth.

The victim managed to flee the scene and call the police, remaining hidden until an officer could locate them.

Detective Constable Luke Miller, of our Serious Crime Division, said:

“I would like to thank the victim for reporting this terrible incident to the police and allowing us to conduct a thorough investigation.

“Mughal abused his position of authority to sexually assault a woman who had asked him for help. Mughal claimed that the victim was advancing onto them whilst in the security booth and that he did not want to have any sexual activity with the victim, which was completely untrue.

“I commend the victim in this case for supporting our investigation, which has resulted in today’s sentence and sees justice served against Mughal, who will now spend a significant amount of time behind bars.

“Our officers will provide support, conduct thorough investigations, and take firm action against offenders. Your allegations will be taken seriously, and you will be treated with dignity and respect."

Description

Two people have been sentenced for modern slavery offences after women were trafficked from Romania to the UK to work as sex workers in West Yorkshire.

Costel Tambac and Mariana Iova were jailed today after being found guilty by a jury following a trial in July.

The pair, both Romanian nationals, were found to be responsible for controlling the lives of two female victims who were trafficked to the UK from Romania.

Both victims were told they were coming to the UK to work as agency workers in a meat factory.

But in reality, they were “sold” to Tambac and Iova who made them work as sex workers at brothels in the Harehills and Holbeck areas of Leeds, as well as in Dewsbury, Oldham and Nottingham.

The pair seized the money earnt by the victims, leaving them with as little as £10 a day to themselves.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking team began the investigation in 2016 when one of the victims came forward.

She reported to police that she had been trafficked to the UK where she was ‘sold’ to Tambac and Iova. From then on, she was forced to work for them and sexually exploited.

The pair advertised their victims’ services on adult services websites, taking them to agreed locations to provide sexual services when requested.

They controlled their victims by retaining their ID documents and money as well as controlling their lifestyle. They enforced this control by using violence and threats.

Tambac and Iova were each found guilty of two counts of sexual exploitation of a female victim contrary to the Modern Slavery Act 2015, and two counts of controlling prostitution for gain contrary to Section 53 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Appearing before Leeds Crown Court for sentencing today, Tambac, aged 50, formerly of Moorhey Street, Oldham, Greater Manchester was sentenced to nine years.

Iova, aged 35, also formerly of Moorhey Street, Oldham, was sentenced to eight years.

In 2018, Tambac and Iova fled the UK while they were still under investigation. Officers sought international arrest warrants, and the pair were traced to Amsterdam where they were arrested earlier this year and extradited back to the UK.

Speaking outside the court, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Helen Steele, said:

“First and foremost, my thoughts go out to the victims who suffered an horrendous ordeal.

“They were brought over to the UK under false pretences by organised criminals where they were sold as a commodity to be financially and sexually exploited through controlled prostitution.

“I hope the guilty verdicts together with the sentences handed down today will bring them some comfort as they continue with the process of rebuilding their lives.”

“I would also like to thank them for their bravery, their patience and their resilience as we pursued our investigation.

“Our investigation was complex and began nine years ago when one of the victims came forward.

“It was the first ever investigation for West Yorkshire Police to conduct as a Joint Investigation Team with the Romanian authorities, who I would also like to thank as it meant we could maximise all investigational opportunities.

“The Joint Investigation Team also led to the Romanian authorities convicting the people responsible for trafficking the victims to the UK.

“A successful prosecution would not have been possible without the assistance of colleagues in Romania.”

Description

A man has been jailed for committing a sex act in front of a child in a restaurant toilet.

Registered sex offender Christopher Taylor (pictured) was only allowed to use a public toilet if he was in a cubicle designed for individual use – a condition of a sexual harm prevention order.

But in June this year, Taylor, 46, stood next to the urinals at McDonalds in Rawtenstall and carried out a sex act in full view of a young boy who was washing his hands after using the toilet.

The boy, aged 11, was left upset and told his mum that ‘something’s happened in the bathroom that’s really weird’.

An investigation was launched and CCTV footage of Taylor’s car helped trace him to Manchester where he was arrested a few days later.

Taylor, formerly of Tenterden Walk, Wythenshaw, Manchester, appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing today (7th November).

He had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under the age of 13, and to breach of a sexual harm prevention order.

Taylor was given an extended sentence of eight years in prison.

Det Con Adam Rainsbury of Burnley CID, said:

“This was disgusting behaviour by Taylor in front of a young boy who was using the toilets in McDonalds.

“Taylor is registered sex offender who had conditions place on him as part of a sexual harm prevention order.

“I welcome the prison sentence imposed on him and it shows that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Description

A man has been jailed after he was convicted of raping a woman at a restaurant in Frodsham.

Abdul Helim was sentenced to six years in prison at Chester Crown Court on Friday 7 November.

The 50-year-old, of Grange Avenue, Oldham, was earlier found guilty of rape and possession of indecent images of children following an three day trial.

The court heard how the victim met Helim at the India Garden Restaurant in Frodsham.

The pair formed a sexual relationship together and would meet at the restaurant.

However, in late 2022, Helim asked the victim to do something which she did not consent to. Despite her refusal, he went on to rape the woman.

The incident was later reported to police and In October 2023, after the launch of the investigation, Helim was arrested in relation to the allegations. During questioning he denied having a relationship with the woman, he claimed that they were just friends and had never had sex.

However, officers examined mobile phone data and recovered a catalogue of messages between the pair, which made clear, repeat reference to their relationship.

In addition, officers also discovered that Helim had possessed a number of indecent images of children.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Hannah Lamborn, who led the investigation, said:

“Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the bravery of the victim in this case who not only had the courage to report and speak about what had happened to her but also had to endure the stress of a trial and facing the defendant in the court room. I would also like to acknowledge the victim’s family and friends who supported her throughout the investigation and the court process.

“I hope that the sentence handed to Helim will provide them with some closure, knowing that he is now behind bars where he cannot do this to anyone else.

“Helim is clearly a danger to women, he was aware that the victim did not consent, but he chose to continue anyway to fulfil his own sexual desires.

“Throughout the investigation, and the subsequent trial, Helim has attempted to deny the offence put to him. Thankfully, the jury saw through his lies, and he is now facing the consequences of his actions.

“If anyone wishes to report a sexual offence, you can do so by calling us on 101, or please visit our website where you can find all the details you need to report it online.”

Description

Michael John Worton (b. 30/12/1951) of Moss Colliery Road, Swinton, has been sentenced to three years in prison and three further years on license after being found guilty by jury of 16 offences at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday 4 November 2025. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The conviction follows disclosures from five courageous victim-survivors who came forward to report abuse they experienced as children during the 1970s and 1980s, when Worton worked on a farm and in a children’s home.

These men have carried the trauma of their experiences into adulthood and have shown immense bravery in helping bring Worton to justice.

The investigation revealed that Worton abused his position of trust to target vulnerable children in settings where they should have felt safe. We are also reviewing previous related investigations to ensure all non-recent offences are fully identified and addressed.

At his court appearance, Worton denied all charges and went to trial. He showed no remorse in court throughout the course of the two weeks and was subsequently found guilty by jury of the following 16 offences: five counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecency with a child, and eight counts of indecent assault on a male person.

We believe that there are other victims that were sexually abused by Worton, and officers are appealing for anyone who may have been subjected to sexual abuse by him, or who may have any information, to please come forward and help us with our enquiries. 

Detective Constable Nathan Roscoe, from GMP Salford district, said:

“It’s with thanks to the great bravery of these victim-survivors in coming forward and disclosing the abuse they were subjected to that we have been able to bring this despicable man to some long-awaited justice.

“Worton preyed on vulnerable young children while he worked in positions of trust in the local community. He should be ashamed of himself, and that shame lies solely with him.”

Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood, district commander for Salford, said:

“I pay tribute to the victims in this case for their courage to ensure Worton is finally behind bars.

“We believe there may be further witnesses and victims in relation to this investigation and want to take this opportunity to appeal for them to please come forward.  

“Whether it be abuse against the children of today or yesterday, our specialist officers are determined to make child sexual abusers ultimately face justice for the harm they have inflicted.

“You will be believed no matter the passage of time, and we will listen to you and work with you at a pace that is best for you. We have specialist officers who can support you and help you through the process.”

Description

Kevin Wyatt (25/05/1984), no fixed address, subjected the woman to two brutal attacks in Clayton, Manchester in June this year.

Wyatt was jailed for life at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 4 November 2025 and will serve a minimum of 12 years and six months, after pleading to rape, robbery, false imprisonment and threatening with a bladed article.

Wyatt had been at the woman’s house carrying out odd jobs when he carried out his horrific attacks.

He also made his victim withdraw £120 from a cashpoint so he could get a taxi home to Middleton.

Wyatt was arrested on suspicion of attempted theft by a neighbouring force however provided false details. Once in custody, his real details were established, and he was swiftly taken into custody by GMP.

Detective Constable Lucy Holland, of City of Manchester CID, said:

“This was an horrific crime where Wyatt has abused the trust of a vulnerable woman who invited him into her home.

“Wyatt is a dangerous man who is rightly now serving a long prison sentence.

“I want to take this opportunity to praise the victim - her bravery in reporting the incident and providing information to officers showed true courage.

“She has been supported by our officers throughout the case and will continue to be following his sentence.

“We know how difficult speaking out about sexual abuse can be however our officers will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”

Description

“The woman in this case did something incredibly brave by speaking to the police – her actions have ultimately led to this sentence.”

Officers have praised the bravery of a woman reporting she was raped as her attacker was sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Daniel Oldfield, 48, of no fixed abode, attacked his victim in her own home in April 2022.

On the night of 2 April, Oldfield had been sleeping elsewhere in the property but entered the woman’s bedroom and attacked her, injuring her hand and holding her by the neck before leaving the room.

Later the same evening he attacked the woman again, as she slept, raping and sexually assaulting her.

He was charged and remanded in custody from November 2022, and following a two-week trial, a jury at Ipswich Crown Court found Oldfield guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration by majority verdict 11-1 in August 2024.

He has now been jailed for 14 years and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order following a hearing at the same court on 30 October 2025.

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DNA obtained by police nearly 20 years ago has led to a former taxi driver being jailed for 12 years for rape.

Mahbubur Rahman has been brought to justice after his DNA was found to match that of a previously unidentified sample collected at the time of the offence in 2006 – against a then 19-year-old woman.

The connection was made in 2022 after Rahman was arrested for an unrelated matter. Despite the compelling evidence, he continued to deny the offence.

Today (Wednesday 29 October), the-now 50-year-old, of Jane Street, Chadderton, Greater Manchester, was sentenced following a trial at Leicester Crown Court last month.

Description

Two cousins have been found guilty of grooming and raping five teenage girls in an 'appalling' case of historic abuse from the late 1990s.

Manzorr Hussain, 54, and Imtiaz Ali, 53, abused the victimsoften from troubled backgroundsafter providing them with drink and drugs. The crimes occurred mainly in Bury, but also across Greater Manchester and in Wales, including in houses, hotels, cars, and vans.

Following a four-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, the pair were convicted and will be sentenced in December.

A third man, Hussain's brother Ghulam Hussain, 64, was charged with multiple sexual offences but fled the country; jurors were told not to decide his guilt.

Prosecutor Anna Pope opened the case: "It is a case about five teenage girls, who we say were groomed and sexually abused by three men. We say this took place in the late 1990s.

"We say that these sexual offences took place in houses, a hotel, sometimes in a car or a van. A number of the girls, we say, were particularly vulnerable.

"They had troubled backgrounds. The prosecution says that older men took advantage of their personal situations and groomed them with drink, drugs, lifts in a car and a place to spend time, as well as company.

"In reality, we say that this was part of a grooming process and the girls were made to feel like in return they owed something to these men. When sexual activity began and took place between these young teenage girls and much older men, we say that they weren't truly consenting to any of this."

Ms Pope described Ghulam Hussain as the 'main man' who abused girls and 'passed them around' to others, including his brother and cousin. The trio ran market stalls. 'Parties' at an address linked to Ali involved drugs, alcohol, and expected sexual services. One victim, raped by both men, was threatened with being left on the moors without clothes.

Prosecutors said Hussain took one victim to a flat with a dirty mattress, where she was abused by strangers sequentially. The case began when one victim reported her ordeal, leading police to contact the others.

Hussain, of Manchester Road, Bury, was convicted of seven counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault. Ali, of Ainsworth Road, Radcliffe, Bury, was found guilty of five counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and one count of attempted indecent assault.

Claire Brinton, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

"Manzorr Hussain and Imtiaz Ali exploited five vulnerable teenage girls, grooming them with alcohol and drugs before subjecting them to appalling sexual abuse.

The defendants deliberately targeted children they knew they could exploit and treated them as objects to be passed around for their own and others sexual gratification. They showed a callous disregard for the girls welfare and used manipulation, force, threats and fear to control them and make them comply with their sick demands.

"These women have demonstrated remarkable bravery in coming forward, remaining engaged with the legal process, and reliving deeply traumatic experiences from over two decades ago. I would like to thank all of them; I hope these convictions can bring them some comfort.

"Our Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police, was able to use extensive evidence to build a comprehensive picture of the offending to present to a jury who found the defendants guilty and delivered the justice these women deserved.