IRFAN KHAN AND OTHERS FROM BATLEY AND DEWSBURY SENTENCED IN KIRKLEES SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

A significant crackdown on sexual abuse cases in Kirklees has resulted in the imprisonment of dozens of men, with the total combined sentence reaching an astonishing 346 years. This outcome follows a comprehensive police investigation into the non-recent sexual exploitation of young girls in North Kirklees, which spanned several years and culminated in multiple convictions.

On April 26, at Leeds Crown Court, the latest group of offenders was sentenced for their involvement in heinous crimes committed over a period from 1999 to 2012. The investigation, known as Operation Tourway, uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse, trafficking, and exploitation involving young girls in the region. The court proceedings revealed the identities of 24 men who have been held accountable for their roles in these crimes, which included rape, sexual abuse, and trafficking.

Among those convicted was Irfan Khan, a 37-year-old man from Batley, who received a sentence of 12 years in prison, along with an additional five years on extended licence. Khan was found guilty of three counts of rape and one offence of making threats to kill. His case was part of a broader series of trials that aimed to bring justice to the victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

Other notable sentences included Asif Ali, aged 53 from Batley, who was sentenced to 24 years for 14 counts of rape, along with charges related to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, trafficking for sexual exploitation, and aiding and abetting rape. The court also handed down lengthy sentences to men from Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Wakefield, and Leicester, reflecting the widespread nature of the abuse.

For instance, Zafar Qayum, aged 44 from Dewsbury, was sentenced to 30 years after being convicted of six counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and three counts of aiding and abetting rape. Similarly, Nasar Hussain, aged 46 from Dewsbury, received an 18-year sentence for three rape offences. The sentences ranged from as low as four and a half years for attempted rape to over 30 years for the most serious offences.

The investigation began in 2015 when safeguarding detectives started examining reports of abuse involving some of the suspects. The process intensified with arrests across West Yorkshire starting in November 2018. By December 2020, all suspects had been charged, and court proceedings commenced shortly thereafter. The trials, held at Leeds Crown Court between 2022 and 2024, have been instrumental in delivering justice for the victims and highlighting the extent of the abuse in the region.

In total, the convictions include men from Batley, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Wakefield, Leicester, and other areas, illustrating the widespread nature of this disturbing criminal activity. The sentences handed down serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which such crimes are treated and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat sexual exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals in the community.