IBRAHIM KOLA FROM DEWSBURY JAILED FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGERS IN WEST YORKSHIRE

A group of men, described as devious and manipulative, who engaged in the heinous crimes of rape, trafficking, and grooming involving two teenage girls, have been sentenced to prison. The offenders, all hailing from the Kirklees area of West Yorkshire, faced justice at Leeds Crown Court after a detailed investigation into their criminal activities.

Among those convicted was Ibrahim Kola, a 36-year-old factory worker from School Crescent, Dewsbury. Alongside his accomplices—Ismail Haji, 39, from Rotary Close, Dewsbury; his brother Imran Haji, 36, from Manor Way, Batley; and Mohammed Chothia, 37, also from Kirklees—the group was found guilty of multiple serious sex offences.

Their crimes centered around the abuse of two young girls, aged 13 and 15, at a flat in Dewsbury in the year 2014. The West Yorkshire Police highlighted that these men targeted some of the most vulnerable members of their community, exploiting their youth and innocence for their own depraved purposes.

The case came to light after the 13-year-old victim confided in a school welfare officer, revealing that she had been subjected to severe sexual assault. Her account prompted a police investigation that uncovered the extent of the offenders’ predatory behavior.

The initial meeting between the victims and the offenders took place in August at Thornes Park, Wakefield. The victims, including the 15-year-old girl, encountered Chothia, a factory worker from Hirstlands Road, Batley, and Ismail Haji, a former taxi driver from Rotary Close, Dewsbury. Subsequently, the victims were introduced to Imran Haji, a shop assistant from Manor Way, Batley, and Ibrahim Kola, who was working at a factory in Dewsbury.

Following these meetings, the victims were subjected to sexual assaults at a property in Dewsbury. The 13-year-old girl was also abused at another address, further illustrating the extent of the offenders’ predatory conduct.

Detective Inspector Lis Walker of West Yorkshire Police emphasized the gravity of the crimes, stating, "These men took advantage of young and vulnerable victims for the sole purpose of sexually abusing them. They were devious and manipulative in order to achieve their vile objectives."

Chief Superintendent Mabs Hussain condemned the actions of the gang, describing their behavior as reprehensible and highlighting their targeting of some of the most vulnerable individuals within the community.

As a result of their convictions, the offenders received the following sentences: Ismail Haji was sentenced to 19 years in prison for three counts of rape, two counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of grooming, and two counts of trafficking. Imran Haji received an eight-year jail term after being found guilty of rape and trafficking. Ibrahim Kola was sentenced to 10 years for rape and trafficking. Mohammed Chothia was sentenced to 13 years after being convicted of two counts of grooming, two counts of trafficking, and one count of taking indecent photos of a child.