LEEDS OFFENDERS SHAZAD REHMAN AND BILAL HUSSAIN SENTENCED FOR KEIGHLEY SEX CRIMES
In a case that has shocked the community of Keighley and the surrounding areas, two men from Leeds, Shazad Rehman and Bilal Hussain, have been convicted of heinous crimes involving the exploitation and sexual assault of vulnerable underage girls.The disturbing series of events unfolded over several years, culminating in their sentencing at Bradford Crown Court.
Shazad Rehman, aged 30 at the time of sentencing, and Bilal Hussain, aged 23, were found guilty of a pattern of predatory behavior targeting young girls walking the streets of Keighley.
The court heard that both men, who had no fixed addresses but were associated with Leeds, engaged in a calculated campaign of drugging and raping underage victims, many of whom were known to social services due to their fragile backgrounds.
The court was told that Rehman and Hussain would approach these girls, often in vulnerable states, and supply them with alcohol and cannabis to lower their inhibitions.
They then took the girls to various hotels in Bradford and Batley, where they committed multiple sexual assaults.
Prosecutors described the men’s actions as part of a disturbing pattern, with Rehman reportedly referring to the girls as “fresh meat,” a term that underscored the predatory nature of their crimes.
During the trial, it was revealed that the victims were often from difficult backgrounds, and many were too young to fully understand the gravity of what was happening to them.
The jury was informed that the defendants exploited their lack of maturity and life experience, with some victims being enticed into believing they were having fun or were special, only to find themselves victims of abuse beyond their control.
Judge Jonathan Rose, presiding over the case, described the conduct of Rehman and Hussain as “wicked and determined,” emphasizing the profound harm inflicted upon the victims.
The judge stated that the actions of the two men had caused “incalculable harm” and condemned their behavior as part of a disturbing trend of exploitation seen increasingly across the country.
Rehman was sentenced to 18-and-a-half years in prison, while Hussain received a sentence of 17-and-a-half years.
Both men were convicted of multiple charges, including three counts of rape, supplying cannabis, and conspiracy to intimidate witnesses.
The court also heard that after the assaults, the men would give the girls small amounts of money—enough for fast food or bus fare—and instructed them not to tell anyone, fearing they would be labeled as “slags” or “up for it.” In their defense, Rehman’s lawyers argued that the evidence of his “bad character” was improperly admitted, claiming it prejudiced the jury.
However, the Court of Appeal dismissed these arguments, with Mr.
Justice Stewart affirming that the convictions were sound and that the sentences were appropriate.
He highlighted that the evidence presented was rightly considered by the jury and that the convictions were not unsafe.
Throughout the proceedings, the court heard that Rehman and Hussain’s actions had caused significant psychological trauma to their victims.
Judge Rose described their conduct as “wicked and determined,” and emphasized the lasting impact on the girls, many of whom had been too frightened or ashamed to report the crimes at the time.
In a particularly disturbing detail, it was revealed that Hussain had threatened a girl, telling her she must terminate her pregnancy or he would kill the baby himself.
Rehman, on the other hand, had boasted about their ability to find any girl they wanted, claiming they had no reputation and could keep their victims “forever” if they got them young enough.
The case underscores the ongoing issues of exploitation and grooming of vulnerable youth in the UK, with authorities warning that such predatory behavior remains a serious concern.
Both Rehman and Hussain are scheduled for release in late 2021, with Rehman expected to be released in May and Hussain in November, raising questions about ongoing risks and the importance of continued vigilance in protecting at-risk youth.
