In a disturbing case that has exposed the brutal reality of child sexual exploitation, two cousins have been handed substantial prison sentences for preying on five vulnerable teenage girls across West Yorkshire.
Systematic Abuse Uncovered
Mohammed Ashan, 31, and Zafar Betab, 35, were identified as key figures in a predatory operation that targeted young girls, systematically grooming them before subjecting them to horrific sexual assaults. The cousins exploited their victims' vulnerabilities with calculated precision.
Chilling Pattern of Exploitation
Investigators revealed a consistent pattern where the men would initially befriend the teenagers, gaining their trust before the relationships turned sinister. The abuse spanned multiple locations in West Yorkshire, with the victims being passed between the predators.
Brave Testimony Leads to Justice
Despite the trauma they endured, all five victims displayed remarkable courage in coming forward and providing detailed accounts of their ordeal to West Yorkshire Police. Their testimony proved crucial in building the case against the predatory cousins.
Substantial Sentences Handed Down
At Leeds Crown Court, Ashan received an 18-year sentence while Betab was jailed for 10 years and 8 months. The judge described their actions as "calculated and predatory," highlighting the profound impact on their young victims.
Police Praise Victims' Courage
Detective Chief Inspector James Stubbs of West Yorkshire Police commended the victims for their bravery throughout the investigation. "These young women have shown incredible strength in speaking out against their abusers," he stated, emphasizing the importance of their testimony in securing convictions.
Community Impact and Warning
The case has sent shockwaves through local communities, with authorities urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant about signs of grooming. Support services have been mobilized to assist other potential victims in coming forward.
This conviction represents another significant step in West Yorkshire Police's ongoing campaign against child sexual exploitation, sending a clear message that such predatory behaviour will be met with the full force of the law.
