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Rochdale Grooming Ringleader Jailed for 35 Years as Six Others Get 174 Years Combined

A four-month trial built on the women’s testimony capped a years-long police inquiry into offences from 2001 to 2006.

Mohammed Zahid, a British-Pakistani ringleader, was convicted by Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court of grooming the two girls since they were aged 13 and then plied them with alcohol and drugs to be abused by the other men, also of Pakistani heritage.

Overview

  • Mohammed Zahid was convicted at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court of 20 offences, including rape and indecency with a child.
  • Jurors returned unanimous guilty verdicts against seven men covering 50 offences, including 30 rapes, after prosecutors presented a detailed case.
  • The two victims, both groomed from about age 13, were given alcohol and drugs and exploited by multiple men at locations across Rochdale.
  • Sentences for the six co-defendants brought the combined prison terms to 174 years, with individual terms ranging from 12 to 35 years.
  • Greater Manchester Police and the CPS praised the victims’ courage, with officials noting the men showed no remorse and that victim impact statements were central to sentencing.