Search results for Manchester

Description

Hassan Mahmood, a 23-year-old convicted child sex offender, fled the UK from Manchester Airport to Pakistan via Doha, Qatar, on the second day of his trial.

A warrant for his arrest was issued after he was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison in his absence by Manchester Crown Court on August 7, 2025. Greater Manchester Police have released his mugshot to aid in tracking him down.

Mahmood, formerly of Gigg Lane in Bury, was convicted last month of sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl, causing her to watch sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in her presence, and sexual communication with her. The court heard he knew her age, having started an online relationship with her in January 2022, which became sexualized by February. He sent explicit images and videos, and during one FaceTime call, he performed a sex act. They met three times in person, including an incident in an Openshaw park where he persuaded her to perform a sex act, and other occasions involving kissing and hugging in his father’s car.

Mahmood, who had no prior convictions, became “obsessed” with the girl, declaring his love for her. After her mother discovered their Snapchat messages in May 2022, police were alerted. Following his arrest, Mahmood sent the girl an abusive letter telling her to kill herself for “snitching,” intended to intimidate her, though she was not deterred. The court noted his exploitation of her willingness to communicate for his sexual gratification.

Judge John Potter, sentencing, noted Mahmood’s absence and mental health difficulties raised by the defense. He indicated potential further proceedings for Mahmood’s flight from justice, with the arrest warrant remaining active as his exact whereabouts in Pakistan are unknown.

Description

Following a four-week trial in July this year, a man has been sentenced to 14 years – 11 of those in prison, of which he must serve two-thirds, with a further three on extended license, at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 7 August 2025.

He is also subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining orders for all victims and their families.

Umair Iqbal (28/11/1987), of Lecester Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester, a private Quran and maths tutor was found guilty of 29 out of 30 counts of sexual assault against five children and adults aged eight - 18 years of age. The offences, including sexual assault of a child, took place over a ten-year period between 2010 - 2020 when Iqbal regularly attended the homes of the young women and girls to conduct his scheduled lessons.

Primary inquiries into Mr Iqbal began in October 2020 when the first account of sexual abuse was reported to GMP by a victim who was 15 years old at the time.

After years of believing the abuse was a fault of her own, the victim found the courage to inform her family and then the police.

A subsequent investigation into Mr Iqbal’s actions by Rochdale’s multi-agency safeguarding team, known then as the sunrise team, soon revealed the extent of his abusive behaviour, unearthing a further four victims, including a victim who had been abused from the age of eight years old.

Rochdale’s Detective Constable Alex Dodd who lead the case said:

Rochdale’s Detective Constable Alex Dodd who lead the case said: “All five victims were young Muslim girls from good families, abused by a person in a position of trust and silenced through fear of getting in trouble or being blamed for the abuse. Iqbal befriended families and used the good reputation of a community to hide behind his sordid sexual agenda.

"Securing justice for these victims is a positive outcome for Rochdale’s complex safeguarding team. The multi-agency work we do in Rochdale is a collaborative force for good.

"It involves GMP officers, children’s services, youth workers, social workers, health professionals, housing officers and public protection services, all working together to investigate child sexual exploitation (CSE), safeguard victims, uncover the truth and bring offenders to justice.

"I would like to recognise and thank all five victims and their families for their determination during the lengthy investigation and four-week trial, which was a distressing process for them.

"We encourage anyone who feels they may have been subjected to Mr Iqbal’s behaviour to come forward and report it on 101 quoting ‘Operation Ganister.’"

Description

A 32-year-old man has been jailed for the rape of a schoolgirl.

Ursaloan Ansari, of Birch Road, Manchester, denied the offence but was found guilty by a jury at Mold Crown Court last month.

Ansari drugged the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, before raping her at a property in Rhos-on-Sea in January 2022.

He was sentenced at Mold Crown Court today (Monday, 4 August) to ten years in prison.

He was subject to sex offenders register notification requirements for life and handed a 10-year restraining order to protect the victim. He was also issued an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Gavin Jones said:

“This was an incredibly difficult case and I commend the bravery and strength of the victim throughout the investigation and trial process.

“Her willingness to speak out has ensured that justice has been served, and I hope today’s result provides some measure of closure for her and her family.

“I would also like to encourage any victim of sexual abuse to come forward. We will listen, we will support you, and we will do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Description

Today (Thursday 24 July 2025) Sid Ali Djelid (09/01/1986) - also known under the alias of Mourad Malki - of Smedley Road, Manchester, has been convicted on five counts of rape in the city centre following a five-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

The court heard how the series of rapes took place between February and July 2024, and how Djelid would pray on, and attack intoxicated victims in the city centre.

The first of the three attacks came on Sunday 18 February 2024 which occurred in the early hours of the morning. CCTV footage shows Djelid leading his female victim down a secluded back street near to China Town before raping her and stealing her mobile phone and making off.

Her mobile phone was tracked to Smedley Road in Cheetham Hill, very close to Djelid’s home address.  

Djelid, believed to be an Algerian national committed his second crime on Wednesday 12 June 2024, the victim - who was visiting Manchester with work – was approached by Djelid outside a bar on Canal Street. After engaging in conversation with the victim, he walked him to a remote location close to Richmond Street and raped him.

Once again, Djelid stole items from the victim, namely his phone, watch and a necklace.The stolen phone of the victim was tracked near to Vallea Court in Cheetham Hill.

During that incident, Djelid is shown on CCTV to be wearing a distinctive, black puffa jacket.    

Djelid’s final attack before being apprehended on Sunday 21 July 2024, came three days earlier on 18th July 2024, Djelid approached his male victim who was visiting Manchester and offered to assist him back to his hotel as he was lost. Djelid was acting as a concerned good Samaritan but his intentions were anything but sincere.

Instead, he led the victim to a secluded area of the canal at Jutland Street and raped him.

Similar to the previous incidents, he took the victims phone and wallet and pushed the victim to the ground before making his escape. A short time later Djelid attended a service station in Cheetham Hill and utilised one of the bank cards to make a fraudulent transaction before attempting to make a further transaction using the stolen back card but that was declined. The stolen mobile phone was again tracked to the Cheetham Hill area.

Djelid had previously pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at an earlier hearing linked to this investigation.

Senior Investigating Officer Paul Davies from our Major Incident Team said:

"Firstly, I would like to commend all the victims who came forward. Without them Djelid may not have been caught and could still be prowling the streets. 

“Being drunk is not a crime. Everybody who visits the city centre should feel safe. Safe in the knowledge that they can go and enjoy themselves without fear of being attacked. 

“What makes these crimes particularly heinous is the deliberate and premeditated nature of Djelid’s actions. He would specifically seek out intoxicated individuals, often presenting himself as an upstanding member of the public, before leading them to secluded locations.

“He would then subject them to horrific sexual attacks and steal their belongings which included mobile phones and bank cards which he would then use. 

“These convictions reflect not only the severity of Djelid’s crimes but also the lasting impact they have had on his victims. Such predatory behaviour has no place in Greater Manchester, and those who feel it is acceptable to commit offences of this sort will be brought to justice.

“If you have been affected by this case or believe that you may have been a victim of Sid Ali Djelid, then please contact us on 101 or via our website www.gmp.police.uk and make a report using the ‘Live Chat’ function in the bottom right corner quoting Operation Baycliff

“All reports made to us will be fully investigated and specialist officers will be on hand to support you through the investigation.”

Rebekah Tomlinson, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said:

“Sid Ali Djelid is a serial sex offender who posed serious danger to both men and women – carrying out his horrifying crimes in one of the most celebrated and historic nightlife hotspots in the country.

“The way he targeted lone individuals who he believed would be vulnerable was both calculating and insidious. Having raped his victims, he also stole their property before he fled.

“Canal Street holds a special place in the heritage of Manchester and the LGBT community, and those on a night out have the right to enjoy themselves free from the fear of abuse and attack.

“Djelid’s crimes will doubtless leave a lasting impact on the victims – and my deepest thanks goes to them for supporting this prosecution. Without their evidence, this dangerous man would still be in our community.”

Description

Sultan Amjad (20/12/2001) of Kirkmanshulme Lane, Manchester was sentenced to four-and-a-half years for rape. He was also given a five-year restraining order against his victim.

The victim reported several incidents of non-consensual sexual assaults against her which occurred in September 2024.

After the offences were reported, Sultan fled to Ireland where he was then arrested after being circulated as a wanted person.

The victim, whose identity remains anonymous, wants to encourage others to speak out against such abuse.

She said: “There are moments in life that change you forever — moments that challenge everything you thought you knew about strength, courage, and healing. Reporting the rape I experienced was one of those moments; it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made, but one that I do not regret, because I was foreseen with no judgment or indifference, but with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support.

“From the very beginning, Detective Constable Sam Cullen treated me with dignity and respect. In a time when I felt broken, afraid, and unsure of myself, he saw me — not just as a victim, but as a person worthy of being heard, believed, and protected. His patience, his clear communication, and his calm reassurance helped me take the first steps in what felt like an impossible journey.

“The experience I had with the police throughout this process was nothing short of extraordinary. I was kept informed at every stage, treated with care and professionalism, and never once made to feel alone in what I was facing. The updates, the follow-through, the consistent reassurance — all of it helped rebuild a sense of safety and control that I thought I had lost forever.

“DC Cullen, your dedication to my case, your belief in me, and your relentless pursuit of justice made a profound impact on my life. Your strength became my strength, and your support gave me the courage to keep going, even when the emotional toll felt overwhelming. I will never forget the way you stood by me — quietly, consistently, and with immense integrity.

“To your team — those who worked tirelessly in the background — thank you. I know how much unseen effort goes into these cases: the long hours, the careful attention to detail, the emotional weight of the work. Your dedication brought justice into reach, and for that, I am forever grateful. Even one conviction represents something monumental to me — it is proof that my voice mattered.

“This process has been incredibly painful, but because of the care and professionalism shown by you and your team, it has also been healing. You reminded me that I was not alone, that I was not to blame, and that I deserved to be fought for. That kind of support changes lives — it changed mine.”

DC Cullen added: “I would like to thank the victim for their bravery in reporting these incidents to us, which is not an easy thing to do.

“The victim told us she was subjected to an emotionally and physically abusive relationship for some time where she was manipulated financially and degraded by Amjad.

“Time is no barrier when it comes to being sexually abused – no matter how long ago it was, or how old you were at the time, we will listen to you. We will support you, investigate, and act robustly against perpetrators. We will take your allegations seriously and treat you with dignity and respect.”

Description

Suaiel Riaz Haider (11/08/1981) of Mosley Avenue, Bury groomed, raped, and abused a teenage girl in the early 2000s and today he has been brought to justice following a complex investigation led by specialist detectives from Bury’s Complex Safeguarding Team.

Today (07/07/2025) Hazier was sentenced to 14 years in prison for two counts of rape of a girl under the age of 16 and four counts of indecent assault and must abide by conditions set out in a lifelong sexual harm protection order.

Haider has signed the sex offender’s register for life.

Haider was convicted on 13/06/2025 after he was found guilty by a unanimous jury following a two-week trial at Manchester Crown Court.

We commenced a retrospective investigation into offences Haider committed as far back as a quarter of a century ago after a survivor courageously came forward to police in 2021.

Detectives worked closely with her to record video statements, narrow in on specific details, and gather evidence to strengthen disclosure.

The victim met Haider in 2000 when she was 15 years old, and he was 19 years old. He groomed her through providing lifts from school, food, cigarettes, and alcohol. Their relationship quickly turned sexual.

He began making derogatory comments towards her, which progressed to sexual offences.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges, subjecting the victim to a trial, and throughout he continued to deny all offences until the jury deemed him guilty.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Beale, of our Bury Complex Safeguarding Team, said:

“The strength and courage of this survivor demonstrated while supporting our investigation and subsequent legal proceedings is commendable.

“It was incredibly brave of her to speak about the abuse, and this played a crucial role in ensuring Haider couldn’t get away with his crimes any longer and faced justice.

“Today marks the conclusion of a long and complicated investigation, and I hope that brings a sense of closure to her.

“We are on an upward improvement journey in how we tackle CSE – whether it be the abuse of children yesterday or today.

“I hope this case provides confidence to anyone who has experienced child abuse that if they come forward, they will be listened to, and we will do everything we can to secure justice.”

Description

A man who groomed and sexually assaulted a teenage girl at a shop in Stockport has been jailed today (4 July 2025).

Daniel Hashmi was found guilty of six offences, including attempted rape, against the same girl after a trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Hashmi (14/10/1980), of Audley Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, was sentenced to ten years in prison.

He will additionally have to sign the sex offender’s register for life, as well as being given a restraining order and lifelong sexual harm protection order.

He was arrested in December 2024 after the sister of a friend reported her suspicions to the police.

It was established that the offences had taken place in Hashmi’s business premises on Wellington Road South, Stockport, between November and December last year.

Hashimi had bought vodka and vapes for his victim, on one occasion blocking the door in a back room to the shop with a sofa to prevent her leaving before sexually assaulting her.

He denied the offences but was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on a female, two counts of attempted rape, and assault by penetration after a trial.

Detective Constable Ben Swapp, of Stockport’s Complex Safeguarding Team, said:

“The girl and her family have shown enormous courage, and we will continue to support them.

"Aspire social workers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) are working with the victim to help in rebuilding her life.

"GMP's Stockport Complex Safeguarding Team is a multi-agency team focused on protecting vulnerable children and young people from exploitation and harm.

"This team, which includes police officers, social workers, and other professionals, works to identify, assess, and respond to safeguarding concerns, particularly those related to child exploitation.

"We are absolutely committed to removing offenders like Hashimi from the streets, as the danger he poses to society, and particularly to children, is significant.

“Hopefully today’s sentence and our investigation will give victims the confidence to report these types of crimes and trust us to investigate them thoroughly to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

The victim made the following statement in court: "I thought I could trust him. He is an adult and they are meant to be protectors, but after this I will never trust anyone again.

"This has affected me more than anyone will ever know - I feel betrayed and completely let down.

"He has taken away the most important things that I will never get back - I feel used and that's the worst thing."

Description

A paedophile who groomed, exploited, and coerced two teenage girls into sex work in the early 2000s has been sentenced to 13 years in prison today (Wednesday 25th June 2025) at Manchester Crown Court.

Christopher Oates (28/11/1979) of Tannock Road, Stockport, has been brought to justice after he subjected vulnerable girls to a campaign of violence and sexual abuse twenty years ago.

He groomed one of the survivors from when she was 14 years old. He provided her with a false sense of security, paid her compliments, and pretended to be her boyfriend.

The court heard how this relationship progressed, as Oates plied her with drugs, gifts, and affection, using the trust and control he gained to persuade her to start sex work on the streets of Manchester.

When she began to doubt his intentions and asked to go home, Oates dragged the teenage girl down an alleyway, violently attacked her, and threatened her with a gun, stating: You do as I say, youre mine now, commanding her to go to her spot.

While Oates had frequently been abusive towards her, this incident was the catalyst for change.

She confided in her mother and support services and found the strength to move forward with her life, while courageously supporting our police investigation.

In a victim impact statement, that was read out in court, she said: One of the hardest pills to swallow has always been how, how can one human being make another do something so extreme.

To have to read letters I wrote idolising this man, professing my love for him, and telling everybody that would listen he was my boyfriend is heartbreaking. The trust I remember feeling, the love and how special I must have felt at a time when I felt completely alone in the world is what Ive had to accept is the how I would have done anything, and you used that for your own sick advantage.

You groomed me, you put a gun to my head, and not only did you abuse me, but you let other men too. The fear, the pain and confusion I felt I cant begin to put into words. And the impact of this?

Even now I struggle to trust my own judgements 20 years later; I cant make simple decisions without feeling wrong, overwhelmed, and panicked. I still dont trust me.

Detectives investigating this case were able to identify a second victim, who was 17 years old when Oates coerced her into sex work.

This girl only knew Oates by the nickname Nails due to his long fingernails. It was through this recollection and viewing images of Oates at the time, along with similar victim accounts, that we were able to identify Oates as the offender.

The two victims recall Oates taking them to a designated spot in central Manchester at least once a week to carry out sex acts in cars for money. One night, he organised for them to have sex in a room with a man while being recorded on video.

Oates would supply both victims with cocaine and alcohol and pressured them to take crack cocaine and heroin, aiming to build an addiction and increase their dependency on him, but they declined and managed to escape.

The second victim in this case also provided an impact statement, which stated: I was bullied and manipulated and the person responsible for this was Christopher Oates.

At the time when the exploitation was happening, I felt ashamed, embarrassed, and pressured by Oates. I felt absolutely vile during and after the incident involving the video camera and also when I stood on street corners, I felt scared about who would be in the next car that stopped, and I was terrified.

Since this time, I have regularly had to pass the location of where this happened when travelling on the train, and I have had to look away and look out the other side, so I did not need to see it.

Operation Green Jacket

This case formed one of 15 live investigations running under Operation Green Jacket, led by our Child Sexual Exploitation Major Incident Team, dedicated to securing long-awaited justice for victims of non-recent child sexual abuse in Manchester.

Since Operation Green Jacket was launched in 2019, we have arrested 73 suspects and conducted over 1,300 interviews.

Identifying, tracing, and pursuing our suspect

Oates is the first offender to be sentenced following a long and complex investigation. Our enquiries commenced in November 2012 when a warrant was executed at his property in relation to drug offences.

Oates was not present, and three days later he flew from Heathrow to Bangkok. However, his mobile device was seized, and digital examinations revealed it contained 130 indecent images of children alongside searches for related content.

In 2021, detectives investigating Operation Green Jacket wanted to speak with Oates. His passport records indicated he remained in Thailand. Through extensive enquiries, the investigation team was able to establish that Oates had been living in the Dominican Republic and returning to the UK intermittently before moving back.

In November 2023, Oates was arrested at an address in Stockport where he was cultivating cannabis and in possession of a significant quantity. He also had a passport with his photo and a false name, as well as a matching driving licence and bank card. Oates had travelled using this documentation on at least five occasions.

Officers seized his tablet containing indecent images of children and evidence that Oates was sending sexualised messages to a child through social media.

In April 2024, on what would have been the first day of trial, Oates pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images of children, taking indecent images of children, and attempting to engage a child in sexual communication. He also pleaded to the production of cannabis and two counts of possessing an identity document with improper intent.

Oates was remanded into custody. On 5th September 2024, he was postal charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, three counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 15 years old and two counts causing / inciting a child aged 13 17 years to prostitution.

In March earlier this year on the fourth day of his trial, Oates admitted to the offences.

Today (25/06/2025) he was sentenced to 13 years in prison for all his crimes.

Description

A TEENAGER who was sexually assaulted by a predator got baptised in an attempt to ‘feel clean’ again.

The incident occurred last year in Warrington, when she was sexually assaulted by then 35-year-old Emmanuel Onwubiko.

Onwubiko, of Derwent Road in Ashton, began to behave inappropriately towards the teenager, Liverpool Crown Court heard on Friday.

This behaviour escalated as the then 35-year-old, who is originally from Nigeria, touched her breast and later touched her bottom.

Onwubiko also grabbed the then 18-year-old’s vagina on two occasions, and asked her inappropriate sexual questions.

When it was clear that the teenager was uncomfortable, Onwubiko complained of cultural differences and said that this behaviour towards women in Nigeria would not be reported.

The victim felt ‘physically sick’ and retreated to a bathroom to hide from him, and sent a ‘running log’ of the assaults to a friend.

She later fled and went to a family member’s house and told them what was happening.

The police were called, Onwubiko was arrested, and he denied the assaults during his interview with officers.

Onwubiko pleaded not guilty to all charges and subjected his victim to a trial, where she had to recount the traumatic sexual assaults before a jury.

Despite his denial, the now 36-year-old was found guilty on all five counts of sexual assault, and he appeared back before Liverpool Crown Court for his sentencing on Friday.

The victim bravely read out a statement to the court, sharing heartbreaking details about how the assaults had impacted her, stating that it had left her feeling ‘disgusted’.

“My mental health has significantly declined due to what happened to me,” she said.

“Some days I feel as though I can't get out of bed due to feeling anxious.

“My mind is always thinking about what happened to me, and it is as though I have constant flashbacks about what happened to me. I now feel a shell of my former self.”

She also shared that the assaults left her feeling so desperate to feel clean again that she got baptised.

“I researched online and found a church that does baptisms on short notice,” she said.

“I felt so desperate to try and cleanse my body and feel as clean as possible. I was reaching out to God to try and get some help, and I thought bathing in holy water would wash away the horrible feelings I was having.”

Defending, Robert Wynn-Jones told the court that the Nigerian-national came to the UK on a student visa, which has since expired.

It was heard that the 36-year-old is hoping to apply for a post-graduate visa to remain the UK and repay a loan, as his wife and three children are being threatened with harm if it is not repaid.

“From the very beginning of that day, you behaved inappropriately towards her,” said judge Gary Woodhall.

“You demonstrated sexual attraction towards her. She was scared.”

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Woodhall referenced the 'harm' that was caused to Onwubiko when he was assaulted by the victim's father.

In a court case last year, it was heard that the victim's dad punched the 36-year-old several times to the back of his head after hearing of his daughter's assault.

Onwubiko suffered a nose bleed, two chipped teeth, and a month later, it was confirmed that he had a subdural haemorrhage.

He underwent an emergency operation which involved a hole being drilled into his brain.

The victim's father was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.

On Friday, Onwubiko was sentenced to two years of immediate imprisonment, and he was ordered to sign the sex offender register for 10 years.

A 10-year restraining order was also approved to protect the victim.

Description

Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham, guilty of nine offences including rape and indecency with a child.

Seven men have been found guilty of using two teenage girls as "sex slaves" in Rochdale.

Members:

• Mohammed Zahid
• Kasir Bashir
• Mushtaq Ahmed
• Roheez Khan
• Mohammed Shahzad
• Nisar Hussain
• Naheem Akram

Their trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard evidence in relation to 53 sexual offences, believed to have been committed between 2001 and 2006, over 72 days.

One of the victims, who is now in her 30s, told the jury that she was labelled a "prostitute" by social services in Rochdale when allegations against the men first came to light.

Their trial was told that she and the other victim were groomed from the age of 13 and forced to have sex with the men "whenever and wherever" they wanted - including on rancid mattresses, in car parks and alleyways.

Both victims were given drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes by the men involved, the court heard. They were also introduced to taxi drivers for sexual exploitation.

The seven men found guilty, all of whom denied any wrongdoing, include:

• Father-of-three Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester. He was found guilty of 20 offences including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl into having unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham, was convicted in his absence - and is now wanted. He was found guilty of four offences, including rape and indecency with a child.
• Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham, was found guilty of nine offences including rape and indecency with a child.
• Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale, was found guilty of one offence of rape.
• Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale, is guilty of six offences including rape and assault by penetration.
• Nisar Hussain, 41, of Newfield Close, Rochdale, was guilty of three offences, including rape and assault by penetration.
• Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley Road, Rochdale, is guilty of seven offences including rape and assault by penetration.

Zahid - known as Boss Man - offered the victims free lingerie from his market stall, in exchange for money, food, and sex with him and his friends.

The trial lasted around four months, with jurors delivering their unanimous guilty verdicts on Friday, after three weeks of deliberations.

32 offenders have been jailed for a combined 300 years, Greater Manchester police has said, as part of two major investigations in the past decade.

An additional 20 men are due on trial - with their next court date set for September 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock - the senior investigating officer on the case - has said that his investigators spent "thousands of hours" on the "complex" case.

He paid tribute to the two survivors.

"They have been pivotal in bringing these abusers to long-awaited justice by bravely giving painful and difficult testimony during a four-month trial. Without them this would not be possible, and today is about them."

Detective Laycock also said the seven men "preyed on vulnerability for their own depraved sexual gain."

He added: "The men abused, degraded and then discarded the victims when they were just children. This horrific abuse knew no limits, despite their denials throughout this lengthy investigation and court case.

"They had a callous disregard for these women when they were girls, and continue to show no remorse for their unforgivable actions all these years later."

Description

Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham, guilty of four offences including rape and indecency with a child.

Seven men have been found guilty of using two teenage girls as "sex slaves" in Rochdale.

Members:

• Mohammed Zahid
• Kasir Bashir
• Mushtaq Ahmed
• Roheez Khan
• Mohammed Shahzad
• Nisar Hussain
• Naheem Akram

Their trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard evidence in relation to 53 sexual offences, believed to have been committed between 2001 and 2006, over 72 days.

One of the victims, who is now in her 30s, told the jury that she was labelled a "prostitute" by social services in Rochdale when allegations against the men first came to light.

Their trial was told that she and the other victim were groomed from the age of 13 and forced to have sex with the men "whenever and wherever" they wanted - including on rancid mattresses, in car parks and alleyways.

Both victims were given drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes by the men involved, the court heard. They were also introduced to taxi drivers for sexual exploitation.

The seven men found guilty, all of whom denied any wrongdoing, include:

• Father-of-three Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester. He was found guilty of 20 offences including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl into having unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham, was convicted in his absence - and is now wanted. He was found guilty of four offences, including rape and indecency with a child.
• Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham, was found guilty of nine offences including rape and indecency with a child.
• Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale, was found guilty of one offence of rape.
• Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale, is guilty of six offences including rape and assault by penetration.
• Nisar Hussain, 41, of Newfield Close, Rochdale, was guilty of three offences, including rape and assault by penetration.
• Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley Road, Rochdale, is guilty of seven offences including rape and assault by penetration.

Zahid - known as Boss Man - offered the victims free lingerie from his market stall, in exchange for money, food, and sex with him and his friends.

The trial lasted around four months, with jurors delivering their unanimous guilty verdicts on Friday, after three weeks of deliberations.

32 offenders have been jailed for a combined 300 years, Greater Manchester police has said, as part of two major investigations in the past decade.

An additional 20 men are due on trial - with their next court date set for September 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock - the senior investigating officer on the case - has said that his investigators spent "thousands of hours" on the "complex" case.

He paid tribute to the two survivors.

"They have been pivotal in bringing these abusers to long-awaited justice by bravely giving painful and difficult testimony during a four-month trial. Without them this would not be possible, and today is about them."

Detective Laycock also said the seven men "preyed on vulnerability for their own depraved sexual gain."

He added: "The men abused, degraded and then discarded the victims when they were just children. This horrific abuse knew no limits, despite their denials throughout this lengthy investigation and court case.

"They had a callous disregard for these women when they were girls, and continue to show no remorse for their unforgivable actions all these years later."

Description

Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, guilty of 20 offences including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl into having unlawful sexual intercourse.

Seven men have been found guilty of using two teenage girls as "sex slaves" in Rochdale.

Members:

• Mohammed Zahid
• Kasir Bashir
• Mushtaq Ahmed
• Roheez Khan
• Mohammed Shahzad
• Nisar Hussain
• Naheem Akram

Their trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard evidence in relation to 53 sexual offences, believed to have been committed between 2001 and 2006, over 72 days.

One of the victims, who is now in her 30s, told the jury that she was labelled a "prostitute" by social services in Rochdale when allegations against the men first came to light.

Their trial was told that she and the other victim were groomed from the age of 13 and forced to have sex with the men "whenever and wherever" they wanted - including on rancid mattresses, in car parks and alleyways.

Both victims were given drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes by the men involved, the court heard. They were also introduced to taxi drivers for sexual exploitation.

The seven men found guilty, all of whom denied any wrongdoing, include:

• Father-of-three Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester. He was found guilty of 20 offences including rape, indecency with a child, and attempting to procure a girl into having unlawful sexual intercourse.
• Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham, was convicted in his absence - and is now wanted. He was found guilty of four offences, including rape and indecency with a child.
• Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham, was found guilty of nine offences including rape and indecency with a child.
• Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale, was found guilty of one offence of rape.
• Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale, is guilty of six offences including rape and assault by penetration.
• Nisar Hussain, 41, of Newfield Close, Rochdale, was guilty of three offences, including rape and assault by penetration.
• Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley Road, Rochdale, is guilty of seven offences including rape and assault by penetration.

Zahid - known as Boss Man - offered the victims free lingerie from his market stall, in exchange for money, food, and sex with him and his friends.

The trial lasted around four months, with jurors delivering their unanimous guilty verdicts on Friday, after three weeks of deliberations.

32 offenders have been jailed for a combined 300 years, Greater Manchester police has said, as part of two major investigations in the past decade.

An additional 20 men are due on trial - with their next court date set for September 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock - the senior investigating officer on the case - has said that his investigators spent "thousands of hours" on the "complex" case.

He paid tribute to the two survivors.

"They have been pivotal in bringing these abusers to long-awaited justice by bravely giving painful and difficult testimony during a four-month trial. Without them this would not be possible, and today is about them."

Detective Laycock also said the seven men "preyed on vulnerability for their own depraved sexual gain."

He added: "The men abused, degraded and then discarded the victims when they were just children. This horrific abuse knew no limits, despite their denials throughout this lengthy investigation and court case.

"They had a callous disregard for these women when they were girls, and continue to show no remorse for their unforgivable actions all these years later."

Description

A notorious paedophile has been allowed to live just metres from a childrens playground in Heywood without the knowledge of the probation service, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

Digital maps used by the probation service initially failed to identify the presence of the park directly opposite the home where Todros Grynhaus is living, correspondence shared with the Manchester Evening News shows.

The Probation Service said the decisions around where a sex offender lives are based on 'particular risks an individual poses' and are 'actively monitored on an ongoing basis'.

Elsie Blundell, Heywood's MP, has written to the Probation Service about her 'grave concerns' and said: "Sexual offenders released from custody have no place near settings or local amenities frequented by children or young people."

The Manchester Evening News understands there is another individual residing at the property and has therefore taken the decision not to publish the exact location.

The community where Grynhaus lives is aware of his convictions, and some residents told the Manchester Evening News they no longer allow their children to play in the park, adding they felt 'angry' he had been allowed to live on what they described as a 'family estate'.

Greater Manchester Police says it continually reviews risk assessments, which take place alongside 'statutory partners, including the Probation Service'.

Grynhaus, a successful businessman and father-of-ten who enjoyed high standing in Salfords tight-knit ultra-Orthodox community, was jailed for over 13 years in 2015 after a jury found him guilty of seven sex offences against two young girls between 1996 and 2004.

The court heard he subjected one teenage girl to a campaign of abuse over three years, repeatedly groping her and even taking her to a hotel and molesting her in the jacuzzi.

A second victim, also a teenage girl, was groped by Grynhaus over a three-month period. In his sentencing remarks, Mr Justice Holroyde said Grynhaus took cynical advantage of his victims vulnerability, adding he believed there was a significant risk he would commit further sexual offences against a girl or girls.

Grynhaus was made to sign the sex offenders register for life, and made subject to an extended licence period of four years following his prison term of 13 years and two months.

He was released in 2022 but was reportedly recalled to prison following a breach of his licence.

He was later authorised to move into his current address following a Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) assessment - a mandatory requirement for all registered sex offenders.

However, the digital maps used during the MAPPA assessment did not pick up the presence of the childrens playground opposite Grynhaus new address.

The Manchester Evening News counted just 24 paces between the gate of Grynhaus' home and the park. Authorities were only made aware of it following a complaint.

In a letter to the complainant seen by this newspaper, Andy Roberts, Assistant Chief Officer at Greater Manchester Probation Service (GMPS), said the decision regarding where Grynhaus could live was made based on digital maps.

In relation to granting permission of a registered sex offender to reside opposite a childrens park. As I explaineddecisions like this are made on a multi-agency (MAPPA) basis and not solely by probation, he wrote.

The case at the time was also managed by a different PDU (probation delivery unit) and the decision was based on electronic information (map) made available. This did not identify the presence of the park. The learning from this has been shared.

Later in the letter, Mr Roberts said the complaint regarding Grynhaus housing had not been upheld, adding: but I would state there is learning to be gained.

Neighbours spoke of their shock when they discovered Todros grim past and said they felt scared and angry about him living opposite the playground.

When they first moved in everyone was really welcoming, we welcome any culture, one neighbour told the Manchester Evening News.

But then word started going round about who he was and it was like, wow.

His house is literally in front of a park. It really worries me that he has been allowed to live there. At the end of the day he is a dangerous man.

She added there are parents in the area who now refuse to take their children to the park.

I know one mum who was just starting to let her little girl go by herself and now she wont, she said.

She has had to take that away from her.

Were paying money to maintain it (the park) and now people cant use it, she said.

People have bought their family homes here. I think at first a lot of people were really scared, but now they are angry.

She said she felt disheartened by the Probation Services failure to identify the park in their assessment.

Theyre supposed to protect us - they didnt do that and now theyre telling us they cant make him move, she continued. We want him gone. Its not fair.

Elsie Blundell, the MP for Heywood and Middleton North, said she was extremely disappointed the Probation Service has not carried out checks sufficiently, adding that sexual offenders released from custody have no place near settings or local amenities frequented by children or young people.

The safety and security of my constituents especially of children is my highest priority as the Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton North, Elsie Blundell MP told the M.E.N.

I am clear that sexual offenders released from custody have no place near settings or local amenities frequented by children or young people and I wrote to the Probation Service to raise my grave concerns as soon as I was made aware of this particular case.

The onus is on the Probation Services to carry out thorough and rigorous checks to ensure that the location of these offenders, upon release, is predicated on the nature of crimes they have committed.

I am extremely disappointed that the Probation Service, in this instance, has not carried out these checks sufficiently and that a presence of a childrens park was not identified in the location of this particular offender.

In representing my constituents concerns in this area, I wrote to Lord Timpson, the Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, who has agreed, in turn, to conduct a review of the Address Checks (Post Custody) Policy Framework. I have been assured that the Ministry of Justice will publish this updated guidance in July this year.

I understand that the proposed updates within the review include changes to clarify and strengthen the particular arrangements for checking addresses proposed by sex offenders. This will ensure that probation officials can make a fully informed decision when determining whether to approve a proposed address something which has not happened in this instance.

All families should have the confidence that their local parks, green spaces and play areas are safe and secure for their children to enjoy.

I will be actively monitoring developments in relation to the Probation Service and will also be following the action taken by the Ministry of Justice in the coming weeks.

A Probation Service spokesperson said: "Special consideration is given to where registered sex offenders are allowed to live by a range of agencies including the Probation Service, police and local authority as part of dedicated procedures to protect the public.

These decisions are informed by the particular risks an individual poses and are actively monitored on an ongoing basis.

All offenders released on licence are supervised by probation staff and can be recalled to prison if they breach the strict conditions they are subject to."

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson added: "GMP work with our statutory partners, including the Probation Service, to appropriately manage the individuals and their conditions, taking into account all the necessary circumstances and arrangements to ensure the safety of the community.

"All risk assessments are continually assessed and reviewed."

Description

Benjamin Magee (27/07/1992) of Shannon Road, Manchester was sentenced to 18 years at Manchester Minshull Crown Court on Wednesday 7 May 2025. He also received an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and a restraining order.

Back in August 2023, the victim had attended a Greater Manchester Police station with her friend to report sexual abuse concerns. Enquiries uncovered that Magee had met her the year before in August 2022 and in the months that followed bought her gifts, took her to roller blading and asked her to walk his dog for money. This included stating that he would pay for her future studies.

In return he used this to rape her at various locations using force, with the victim who was 15 at the time, accounting it happening on 40 to 50 occasions, most recently in May 2023, with her challenging him that what he had done was wrong and never providing consent.

After denying the offences on interview, when arrested by detectives it resulted in the confirmation of the offences.

Following a trial, he was found guilty of three counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15, assault of a female aged 13 and over by penetration with part of a body, multiple counts of assault of a female aged 13 or over by penetration with part of a body and two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order after he was already on the register.

After a re-trial he was found guilty again of three counts of vaginal rape and two counts of oral rape.

Description

Brandon Smith (14/02/2000) of Larch Road in Denton, was found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one assault by penetration.

He was sentenced to 12-and-a-half years at Bolton Crown Court today (Wednesday 30 April 2025) for raping and sexually assaulting a woman in July 2024. Smith will then serve three years on extended licence. 

On Friday 5 July 2024, Smith launched his attack on the woman, who was not known to him, grabbed her and threatened to stab her if she made any noise.

He then dragged her down a path off King Street and Pitt Street in Hyde before he carried out a sustained sexual attack.

He told the woman he had been watching her for six months and following the attack, he made threats to harm her family if she said anything.

Following an investigation, Smith was arrested on Sunday 7 July 2024. After a trial at Bolton Crown Court, he was found guilty on all five counts on Wednesday 8 January 2025.

Brandon Smith was jailed for 12-and-a-half years.