AUDREY HAMID-TAHA JAILS IN BURNLEY AND KIRKCALDY FOR CHILD RAPE AND ABUSE

A disturbing case involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of three children has culminated in the imprisonment of a woman and two men, with a combined sentence totaling 70 years. The incidents took place in Burnley, and the offenders, Audrey Hamid-Taha, aged 58, and Javed Iqbal, aged 52, appeared before Burnley Crown Court on Monday, March 31, to be formally sentenced after being found guilty of multiple serious charges following two separate trials.

Yasin Hamid-Taha, aged 52, who was also involved in the crimes, remains at large and his current whereabouts are unknown. He was previously residing in Tottenham, London, but is now a fugitive. Audrey Hamid-Taha was convicted on four counts of child cruelty and four counts of conspiracy to commit rape, charges that highlight the severity and depravity of her actions. Javed Iqbal, formerly from Barnoldswick, was convicted of five conspiracy to commit rape charges. The court heard that two young girls were subjected to sexual assaults by strangers, with one of the victims describing how she was allowed to be raped, while another girl was subjected to repeated abuse.

Additionally, a young boy was reportedly physically abused, often being slapped and kept isolated without access to food or water, further illustrating the extent of the cruelty inflicted upon the children. The prosecutor, Alaric Bassano, emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating that the victims endured unimaginable suffering at the hands of these offenders.

In sentencing, Audrey Hamid-Taha received a prison term of 28 years, reflecting the seriousness of her crimes. Yasin Hamid-Taha and Javed Iqbal were each sentenced to 21 years in prison. All three individuals will be subject to lifelong sex offender notification requirements, ensuring ongoing monitoring and public safety measures.

Lancashire Police’s major crime review team, represented by Dave Hindle, expressed their satisfaction with the sentences, stating, “I welcome the significant sentences handed down today, which reflects the seriousness of the offending carried out by these three wicked individuals.” He also praised the victims for their bravery in reliving their traumatic experiences during the court proceedings, acknowledging their strength in coming forward. One of the female victims attended the court to read a personal statement, describing her journey of healing and resilience, saying she was “picking up the pieces that she never broke.”

While the community seeks justice and closure, the whereabouts of Yasin Hamid-Taha remain unknown, and authorities continue their efforts to locate him and bring him to justice for his role in these heinous crimes.