Overview

• Basharat Hussain was sentenced to 25 years in 2017 for crimes including rape and abduction as part of the Rotherham child grooming gang.
• Due to time served on remand and good behaviour, Hussain is eligible for a potential transfer to an open prison, sparking survivor backlash.
• Survivors, including Sammy Woodhouse, have criticized the lack of transparency around offender movements and public safety risks.
• The Prison Service stated that thorough risk assessments are conducted before such transfers and offenders can be returned to closed prisons for rule violations.
• Hussain previously fled to Pakistan in 2015 after skipping bail, raising further questions about accountability and risk management.