JAVED IQBAL FROM BARNOLDSWICK AND BURNLEY SENTENCED TO 70 YEARS FOR CHILD RAPE AND ABUSE

A disturbing case involving the sexual abuse and rape of three children in Burnley has culminated in the conviction and sentencing of three individuals, with a combined prison term of 70 years. The proceedings took place at Burnley Crown Court, where the court heard harrowing details of the offences committed by the defendants.

Javed Iqbal, aged 52 and formerly residing in Barnoldswick, was found guilty of five counts of conspiracy to commit rape. His crimes, along with those of his co-defendants, involved heinous acts against vulnerable children, which have left lasting scars on their victims. Iqbal was sentenced to 21 years in prison, a punishment reflecting the gravity of his crimes.

Audrey Hamid-Taha, 58, of Fife, Scotland, was also convicted of multiple offences, including four counts of child cruelty and four counts of conspiracy to commit rape. Her involvement in the abuse was significant enough to warrant a lengthy prison sentence of 28 years. Her actions, as described in court, contributed to a pattern of cruelty and exploitation against the young victims.

Yasin Hamid-Taha, 52, formerly of Tottenham, London, remains at large, with his whereabouts currently unknown. He was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to commit rape. His absence from the courtroom has added a layer of concern for authorities, who are actively seeking him. All three convicted individuals will be subject to lifelong sex offender notification requirements, ensuring ongoing monitoring of their activities.

Prosecutor Alaric Bassano detailed the horrific nature of the crimes, revealing that two girls were subjected to rape by strangers, while a young boy was subjected to physical abuse, including being slapped and being locked away without access to food or water. These acts of cruelty have had a profound and lasting impact on the victims' lives.

Lancashire Police’s Major Crime Review Team, represented by Dave Hindle, expressed satisfaction with the sentences handed down. Hindle emphasized the importance of justice for the victims and praised their bravery in reliving their traumatic experiences during the court proceedings. He also issued a message of reassurance to other victims of sexual offences, encouraging them to come forward and seek justice, regardless of how much time has passed.

Hindle stated, “I welcome the significant sentences handed down today, which reflects the seriousness of the offending carried out by these three wicked individuals. I want to praise the victims who showed incredible bravery in reliving their ordeals while giving evidence during two trials. This offending has had a profound impact on all their lives, and I hope the sentences handed down today give them some comfort knowing those responsible for the crimes committed against them have now been held accountable. I hope the outcome of this case will encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward, confident that you will be listened to and believed – no matter how much time has passed – and that we will do everything in our powers to put the perpetrators before the courts.”