Shabir Ahmed, the 73-year-old ringleader of the Rochdale child grooming gang, is scheduled to be released from prison on July 2, 2026, according to documents sent to his victims. The news has provoked widespread disgust and urgent calls for government action to prevent his release.
Ahmed's Conviction and Crimes
Ahmed, known to his victims as 'Daddy', was convicted in 2012 for multiple counts of rape and sexual offences against girls as young as 12. Between early 2008 and 2010, victims were plied with alcohol and drugs before being gang-raped in rooms above takeaway shops and transported to flats in taxis where cash was exchanged for sex. Judge Gerald Clifton stated that the victims were treated 'as though they were worthless and beyond any respect' because they were not part of the gang's community or religion.
Ahmed was sentenced to 19 years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court as one of nine men convicted in the Rochdale grooming gang trial. He later criticized the judge and unsuccessfully appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, claiming an unfair trial.
Release Conditions and Deportation Bar
If released, Ahmed will be supervised in the community until June 10, 2033. He will be subject to an exclusion zone centred on Rochdale, must initially live in 24-hour staffed accommodation, wear an electronic tag, and be on the sex offenders' register for life. He is barred from contacting any child or young person and must stay away from his victims.
Deportation to Pakistan is prevented by provisions in the Immigration Act 1971, as Ahmed arrived in the UK before 1973 and has lived there for at least five years before deportation was considered. A Home Office spokeswoman confirmed this exemption applies to a limited, diminishing group of people who arrived in the UK under specific circumstances over 50 years ago.
Political and Public Reaction
Greater Manchester MPs Paul Waugh and Jim McMahon have raised concerns. In Parliament, McMahon expressed 'disgust' that local MPs were not informed, stating: 'He was convicted of crimes in relation to Rochdale victims, but we all know that for every victim who went through the court process, other victims did not. So the idea that Oldham is somehow not affected by the evil of this person is ridiculous.' He urged the government to review the case, saying the situation 'cannot be allowed to be normalised'.
Jake Richards, parliamentary under-secretary of state for justice, responded: 'I will of course not just look into that case but meet him urgently to discuss it.' He noted that the Sentencing Act, which would impose tougher sentences for serious offenders, does not come into effect until September and 'on the face of it the case falls outside the new legislation'.
Background and Ongoing Concerns
A 2022 review into historic child sexual exploitation in Oldham found that children were being exploited and let down by failing services. It also revealed that Ahmed worked as a welfare officer at Oldham council for a year unchecked despite being accused of serious child sexual abuse. The Home Office has reiterated that its position remains unchanged, emphasizing that Ahmed will face strict monitoring upon release and immediate imprisonment if he breaches conditions.
