Shabir Ahmed, the 73-year-old leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, was released from HMP Leeds on Thursday despite being assessed as posing a 'very high risk of serious harm' to children just three years ago, the Guardian can reveal. Ahmed, jailed in 2012 for rape, abuse, and trafficking of girls, had failed three parole attempts, the most recent in October 2024.
Victim Left 'Physically Sick' by Release
One of his victims, Amber (a pseudonym), said she felt 'physically sick' and unable to sleep upon learning of his release. She was not informed by police, the Prison Service, or victim support; she found out via a friend's message with a news link. Amber was among about 50 girls raped, abused, and trafficked by Ahmed and his associates from around 2008. A judge noted the girls were treated 'as though they were worthless' due to not sharing the offenders' community or religion.
Parole Board Assessments Showed High Risk
Parole Board documents reveal Ahmed made repeated attempts at early release after becoming eligible in 2022. Each time, an expert panel concluded he could not be safely managed in the community due to denying his crimes and refusing to engage with rehabilitation programs. A January 2022 review found he had not 'sufficiently' reduced risk factors, including 'sexual interests and his belief that it was acceptable to sexually abuse underage victims.' A January 2023 review stated he presented a 'very high risk of serious harm towards children' and a 'high risk of sexual offending,' with an insufficient release plan. The 2024 review noted his continued refusal to engage with specialist programs and deemed the community management plan 'not robust enough.'
Automatic Release Despite Parole Denials
The Parole Board had no role in Ahmed's release; he was freed automatically after serving two-thirds of his 22-year sentence. Government sources said attempts were made to inform victims, but Amber had no contact. She expressed fear not of Ahmed himself but of his contacts, saying, 'I feel like for me, I am their target.' Although Ahmed will be banned from parts of Greater Manchester including Rochdale, Amber questioned, 'What's to say that his mates aren't [in the exclusion zone]? He's got nothing to lose.'
Victim's Safety Concerns and Past Trauma
Amber contacted her children's school over safety fears. She received a formal apology and settlement from Greater Manchester Police in 2022 for her treatment, but said the apology was 'just to tell me: shut up.' She was also listed as a co-conspirator by the Crown Prosecution Service after being pressured by abusers to bring friends to their takeaway.
Legal Loophole Prevents Deportation
Ahmed was stripped of British citizenship after conviction, but cannot be deported to Pakistan because he arrived in the UK before 1971 and lived here over five years. Andy Burnham said he will explore 'all possible options' to close this loophole. A government spokesperson said Downing Street is 'working with colleagues across government to explore all possible options to deport this vile criminal.'
Victims' Solicitor Criticizes Notification Failure
Kate Ellis, solicitor at Centre for Women's Justice, said: 'Victims of serious sexual offending are usually notified of the perpetrator's possible release... If victims are not even being notified of their abuser's proposed release, that is completely unacceptable.' A Parole Board spokesperson confirmed the panel last refused release in 2024 and 'carefully examined a huge range of evidence.'
