HUSSAIN, BUTT, AND KNIGHT SENTENCED FOR TEENAGE RAPE PLOT IN ACCRINGTON AND ROCHDALE

In a disturbing case that unfolded across the towns of Accrington, Rawtenstall, and Rochdale, three men and a woman have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a heinous plot to sexually assault two teenage girls. The incident, which took place in December 2009, shocked the local communities and highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding child exploitation and abuse.

Following a detailed three-week trial at Burnley Crown Court, the court found Amjad Hussain, aged 34, residing on Sharples Street in Accrington, guilty of conspiracy to commit rape, rape itself, and assault by penetration. His brother, Shahid Hussain, aged 38, of Drake Street in Rochdale, was convicted solely of rape. Stephanie Knight, a 19-year-old formerly living on Queen Street in Rawtenstall, was found guilty of conspiracy to rape and of aiding and abetting the rape. Additionally, Tanveer Butt, aged 39 and from St Alban’s Street in Rochdale, was convicted of conspiracy to rape, aiding and abetting, and rape.

All four offenders received significant sentences. At Preston Crown Court, Amjad Hussain, Shahid Hussain, and Tanveer Butt were handed indeterminate sentences, with each required to serve a minimum of seven years and five months before they could be considered for parole. Stephanie Knight was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Det Sgt Paul Langley, representing the Eastern Division’s Public Protection Unit, expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing the gravity of the crimes committed. He stated, “I am pleased with the sentences given by the court today which reflect the severity of the offences.”

He further described the harrowing circumstances faced by the victims, explaining, “These two girls thought they were going out for a night of fun, but instead, they were drugged and given alcohol before being taken to a strange house where they endured a horrific sexual ordeal at the hands of three much older men.”

Det Sgt Langley also highlighted the betrayal involved, noting, “What’s worse is that this abuse was facilitated by someone the victims believed was their friend.” He underscored that, although some victims of child sexual exploitation may not see themselves as victims or may act voluntarily, in this case, the girls’ actions were neither voluntary nor consensual.

He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to tackling such crimes, stating, “Regardless of offenders’ social or ethnic background, they are abusing young people, and we will continue to target, warn, and prosecute them.” The officer also mentioned ongoing efforts with partner agencies, such as the Engage initiative, aimed at identifying at-risk youth and preventing them from falling into cycles of exploitation and abuse.