AFTAB HUSSAIN SENTENCED IN ROTHERHAM FOR SEX CRIMES AGAINST GIRLS
Aftab Hussain, a man from Rotherham, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses, including the rape of a 15-year-old girl over twenty years ago.His conviction comes after a thorough investigation conducted by the National Crime Agency (NCA), which has been actively probing historic allegations of sexual abuse in the Rotherham area.
Hussain, aged 45, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court on October 16, where he admitted to raping the young girl in Rotherham two decades prior.
This admission is part of a broader pattern of criminal behavior for which he is already serving a significant prison sentence.
Previously, Hussain was sentenced to 24 years behind bars after being found guilty of twice raping a girl and indecently assaulting another victim.
These convictions were secured through diligent efforts by officers involved in Operation Stovewood, the NCA’s extensive investigation into historical sexual abuse allegations in Rotherham.
The investigation into Hussain’s activities did not stop there.
Following the initial convictions, authorities launched a third inquiry after identifying another woman who might have been victimized by him.
Specially-trained officers from the NCA engaged with this woman, who recounted a disturbing incident that took place in a park in Rotherham.
She described how Hussain, upon noticing her sitting alone, began to harass her, repeatedly asking her to follow him into a secluded area.
Despite her clear refusal, she recognized Hussain as a man known for violent behavior towards a friend and was threatened when she refused to comply.
Hussain’s threats escalated, and he demanded she follow him or face harm, saying he was “gonna have her.” Despite her resistance, Hussain forcibly grabbed her, pulling her to her feet, and took her to a spot beside a canal where he committed the rape.
After the assault, he left her alone by the water’s edge.
The girl reported the incident to authorities in 2019, after speaking with officers involved in Operation Stovewood.
Her bravery in coming forward has been instrumental in bringing Hussain to justice.
Leading the investigation, NCA officer Mitch Leach emphasized the importance of these convictions.
He stated, “The NCA has ensured that the women Hussain raped and assaulted when they were children have had their stories of horrific abuse heard in court.
Hussain’s victims have shown enormous courage by recounting what he did to them, and now another woman who bravely spoke out after years suffering in silence has finally seen her abuser face justice.” Hussain was sentenced to an additional eight years in prison for the recent offense.
This sentence will run concurrently with his existing 24-year term, meaning he will serve the new sentence alongside his current imprisonment.
The NCA’s Operation Stovewood remains the largest investigation of its kind, focusing on allegations of sexual abuse in Rotherham from 1997 to 2013.
To date, the operation has identified over 1,100 victims, and 38 individuals, including Hussain, have been convicted of related crimes.
The ongoing efforts aim to bring justice to more victims and prevent further abuse in the community.
