Seven members of a vicious grooming gang have been handed substantial prison sentences for systematically preying on vulnerable young girls in West Yorkshire, with one depraved rapist even conducting a sham Islamic marriage with his teenage victim.
The Predator Who 'Married' His Victim
Mohammed Sajid, 38, emerged as the ringleader of this predatory network, committing horrific crimes including rape and sexual activity with a child. In a shocking twist that demonstrates his complete manipulation of the victim, Sajid participated in a so-called 'sharia law marriage' with the girl when she was just 15 years old.
Leeds Crown Court heard how this ceremony was nothing more than a calculated tactic to exert further control and normalise the abuse. Sajid received an 18-year sentence for his catalogue of offences against multiple victims.
Systematic Exploitation Uncovered
The investigation revealed a coordinated pattern of abuse spanning several years, with gang members methodically targeting vulnerable teenagers. The court heard harrowing details of how the men:
- Identified and isolated vulnerable young girls
- Used alcohol and drugs to lower their inhibitions
- Exploited them for sexual purposes across multiple locations
- Created an environment of fear and compliance
Complete List of Offenders and Sentences
The seven convicted gang members received the following sentences:
- Mohammed Sajid, 38 - 18 years imprisonment
- Waseem Khaliq, 39 - 15 years imprisonment
- Zahid Hassan, 40 - 14 years imprisonment
- Nahim Moultrie, 29 - 12 years imprisonment
- Vaqaas Abbas, 30 - 11 years imprisonment
- Samuel Furlong, 26 - 8 years imprisonment
- Sikander Malik, 31 - 7 years imprisonment
Police Praise Victims' Courage
Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police commended the bravery of the victims who came forward, stating that their testimony was crucial in bringing these dangerous offenders to justice.
"This case represents some of the most horrific child sexual exploitation we have encountered," DCI Entwistle said. "The victims showed incredible courage in speaking out, and their resilience throughout this lengthy investigation has been remarkable."
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
The sentencing has sparked renewed discussions about grooming gangs and the effectiveness of preventative measures. Local authorities have emphasised their commitment to protecting vulnerable children and bringing perpetrators to justice, regardless of their background.
This case follows similar grooming gang prosecutions across Northern England, highlighting the ongoing challenge of combating organised child sexual exploitation.
