ABDUL SABE AND NEWCASTLE SEXUAL ABUSE RING: SHOCKING CONVICTIONS IN THE WEST END

A disturbing case of systematic sexual exploitation has culminated in the conviction of 18 individuals involved in a heinous abuse network operating within Newcastle. The victims, some as young as 14, were subjected to a calculated campaign of manipulation, drugging, and sexual assault by a group of offenders, with Abdul Sabe among those held accountable for his role in this depraved operation.

According to court proceedings, these victims were targeted by what was described as a 'cynical organisation' that exploited their vulnerabilities over a period spanning from 2011 to 2014. The victims, many from the local communities in the West End of Newcastle, were lured into a cycle of abuse through the false promise of friendship and the allure of alcohol and drugs, primarily mephedrone, also known as M-Kat. Evidence presented in court detailed how bags of this drug were left openly on coffee tables at various locations, including the top floor of the tower block Todd's Nook, where one teenage girl recounted being raped three times during a single incident.

The court heard that these parties, often referred to as 'sessions,' were held at multiple premises around the West End, creating a network of locations where vulnerable girls were systematically preyed upon. Prosecutors described the offenders as passing the victims between themselves, creating a cycle of abuse that was both organized and systematic. Many victims testified that they were too intoxicated to resist or defend themselves, with some becoming addicted and feeling compelled to perform sexual acts in exchange for drugs or alcohol.

One victim recounted attending approximately 60 such parties, while another described being taken to an address where she encountered two older men and a woman who appeared frightened and submissive, describing the situation as akin to slavery. She recounted, 'They told us what she would do for them for money and drugs or she'd get battered.' Another girl explained that she understood that if she wanted drugs or alcohol, she would have to comply with the offenders' demands, often being too intoxicated to fight back. In one disturbing account, a victim said, 'He had us too intoxicated to fight him off. One time, he locked the door. I was told I would only be allowed out if I had sex.'

In response to these crimes, Northumbria Police launched Operation Sanctuary in December 2013, an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against young girls and women. The operation has been ongoing, resulting in 461 arrests, with police speaking to over 700 potential complainants and identifying 278 victims to date. The investigation was divided into several spin-off operations due to its scale.

One such operation, Operation Shelter, uncovered groups of men in the West End of Newcastle, many of whom knew each other, who exploited vulnerable young women over a period from 2010 to 2014. This led to multiple trials, with the first beginning in September 2015 and the most recent concluding recently, allowing for the lifting of previous reporting restrictions.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that police paid a convicted child rapist, Bahmani Ahmadi, £10,000 as an informant, raising questions about the police's handling of the case. Chief Constable Steve Ashman emphasized that the police had acted decisively, stating, 'We have not and will not stop. There has been no political correctness here. These are criminals and there has been no hesitation in arresting them and targeting them using all the means at our disposal.'

Among those convicted, Abdul Sabe, aged 40 and residing at Dean House, was found guilty of conspiracy to incite prostitution, trafficking within the UK for sexual exploitation, and drug offenses. Other notable convictions include Mohammed Azram, Jahangir Zaman, and Habibur Rahim, each linked to various charges including conspiracy, rape, and trafficking. Several defendants received prison sentences, with Saiful Islam sentenced to ten years for rape, and Mohammed Hassan Ali to seven years for sexual activity with a child and drug supply. Yasser Hussain was jailed for two years for assault and possession of drugs.

The case also highlighted failures within the police force, as it was revealed that an officer was dismissed for neglecting to investigate a sex offender’s phone during an earlier operation. This misconduct was linked to the case involving Bahmani Ahmadi, and authorities have stated that such actions reflect a shift in police culture towards greater accountability.

Community leaders and officials have responded to the convictions with condemnation of the crimes. Newcastle City Council has announced a serious case review concerning a victim in local authority care, which is scheduled for publication in December. Council leader Nick Forbes described the crimes as 'vile' and praised the bravery of the victims, asserting that their courage has contributed to making the city safer. Chief Constable Ashman reaffirmed the police’s commitment to tackling such crimes head-on, emphasizing that no effort would be spared in bringing offenders to justice and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.