20.05.2026 10:40
In the UK, 20 defendants were sentenced to a total of 277 years in prison in a case involving years of sexual abuse against vulnerable girls. One of the victims was reportedly only 12 years old when the abuse began. The defendants were convicted of rape, sexual assault, drug supply, and forced prostitution. Some defendants received sentences of up to 28 years, and police noted that the victims' courage helped bring the crimes to light.
In a long-running sexual abuse case targeting vulnerable girls in England, 20 defendants were sentenced to a total of 277 years in prison. The West Yorkshire Police investigation revealed that most of the incidents occurred in the Dewsbury and Batley areas.
One of the victims was only 12 years old when the abuse began, and the crimes were committed between 1995 and 2003. The trial at Leeds Crown Court started in July 2023, with six separate hearings held. The final defendant's sentence was announced in 2025.
RAPE, DRUG, AND PROSTITUTION OFFENSES
According to court records, the defendants repeatedly sexually assaulted the victims. It was reported that some victims were given Class A drugs and were used within a sexual exploitation network.
Ansar Mahmood Qayum, 49, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for three counts of rape and two counts of sexual assault. Combined with a previous 20-year sentence from another case, his total sentence became 30 years.
Tariq Azam, 57, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for five counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault. Zulfiqar Ali received 22 years and 6 months for four counts of rape, while Aurrangzeb Azam was sentenced to 20 years for ten separate counts of rape.
Sajid Majid, 53, was one of the most heavily sentenced in the case, receiving 28 years in prison for five counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
87-YEAR-OLD DEFENDANT ALSO SENTENCED
In the case, 87-year-old Ibrahim Khalifa was also sentenced to 11 years in prison for two counts of rape. Some gang members were also convicted of drug supply, forced prostitution, and false imprisonment.
Female defendant Donna Lynn was sentenced to 3 years in prison for controlling prostitution.
POLICE: A HORRIFIC ABUSE CASE
Detective Chief Superintendent Rob Stevens from Kirklees District Police described the investigation as "a horrific case of abuse targeting vulnerable girls."
Stevens noted that the victims showed great courage throughout the lengthy trial, stating, "It was the courage of the victims that brought these crimes to light. By testifying during the long judicial process, they contributed to ensuring justice."