Five members of a depraved grooming gang are facing substantial prison sentences after being found guilty of systematically preying on vulnerable young girls in Rochdale.
The convicted men, identified as Ghouse Majeed, 39, Mohammed Ghani, 38, Jahn Shah, 36, Ali Razza, 34, and Martin Rhodes, 39, were part of a sophisticated exploitation network that operated across Greater Manchester.
Systematic Abuse of Vulnerable Children
Manchester Crown Court heard harrowing details of how the gang deliberately targeted and groomed young girls, subjecting them to horrific sexual abuse and exploitation. The victims, who were particularly vulnerable, were manipulated and coerced by the predators.
Prosecutors described how the men worked together to identify potential victims, using various grooming techniques to gain their trust before subjecting them to sexual assaults.
Complex Police Investigation
The convictions follow an extensive and complex investigation by Greater Manchester Police's dedicated child protection teams. Detectives spent months piecing together evidence and building trust with traumatised victims to secure the crucial testimony needed for prosecution.
Detective Chief Inspector James Faulkner, who led the investigation, praised the bravery of the victims who came forward to testify against their abusers.
Sentencing Approaches
All five convicted men have been remanded in custody and will return to Manchester Crown Court for sentencing next month. Legal experts suggest they face lengthy prison terms reflecting the severity and systematic nature of their crimes.
The judge has ordered pre-sentence reports to be prepared ahead of the hearing, where victim impact statements will also be presented to the court.
Ongoing Fight Against Grooming Gangs
This case represents another significant victory in Greater Manchester Police's ongoing battle against organised child sexual exploitation networks. Authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle grooming gangs following previous high-profile cases in the region.
Support organisations have emphasised the importance of continued vigilance and community cooperation in identifying and preventing such exploitation.
