Six men have gone on trial accused of historic sexual offences allegedly committed against three girls in Rochdale. Tahir Rashid, 55; Mohammed Saleem, 47; Sucklane Shah, 47; Amjad Mahmood, 54; Iftaq Hussain, 46; and Arshad Mohammed, 56, all deny the charges they face.
The trial is taking place at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester. The complainants are referred to as 'Girl A', 'Girl B', and 'Girl C' for legal reasons.
Prosecution opens case
Rossano Scamardella KC opened the prosecution's case on Thursday (August 27) after a jury was sworn in. Mr Mahmood is unfit to stand trial and is not present in the dock. Jurors will decide 'whether he did the acts charged against him or not'.
Details of the charges
Mr Rashid, of Hudsons Walk, Rochdale, denies 12 counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault, and one count of assault by penetration. The charges include allegations against all three complainants.
Mr Saleem, of Bradley Smithy Close, Rochdale, denies eight counts of rape allegedly committed against Girl A. Mr Shah, of Crawford Street, Rochdale, denies two counts of rape allegedly committed against Girl A.
Mr Mohammed, of Merefield Street, Rochdale, denies four counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration. The charges include allegations against Girl A and Girl B.
Mr Hussain, of Hey Street, Rochdale, denies three counts of rape allegedly committed against Girl A. Mr Mahmood, of Channing Street, Rochdale, denies 11 counts of rape, two counts of indecency with a child, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of indecent assault. The charges include allegations against Girl A and Girl B.
