ISMAIL HAJI FROM DEWSBURY SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF TEENAGE GIRLS IN WEST YORKSHIRE

A disturbing case involving a group of men who engaged in heinous acts of sexual abuse, trafficking, and grooming has culminated in their conviction and sentencing. The offenders, all from the Kirklees area of West Yorkshire, including Dewsbury, have been found guilty of targeting vulnerable young girls and subjecting them to a series of sexual crimes that have shocked the local community.

Among those convicted is Ismail Haji, aged 39, who received a lengthy prison sentence of 19 years. His crimes included three counts of rape, two counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of grooming, and two counts of trafficking. The severity of his offenses underscores the manipulative and predatory nature of his actions, which exploited the innocence of two teenage girls in 2014.

Other members of the gang include Imran Haji, aged 36, who was sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of rape and trafficking. Ibrahim Kola, also 36, received a 10-year sentence for his involvement in rape and trafficking activities. Mohammed Chothia, aged 37, was handed a 13-year term following his conviction on multiple charges, including two counts of grooming, trafficking, and taking indecent photographs of a child.

These convictions followed a detailed investigation by West Yorkshire Police, which revealed the extent of the offenders' manipulative tactics and their targeting of some of the most vulnerable individuals within the community. The crimes took place at a flat in Dewsbury, where the victims, a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old girl, were subjected to sexual assaults. The 13-year-old girl was also abused at another address, highlighting the persistent and calculated nature of the offenders' actions.

According to Det Insp Lis Walker of West Yorkshire Police, the gang's actions were characterized by their deviousness and manipulative behavior, aimed solely at fulfilling their vile objectives. She emphasized that these men exploited the trust and innocence of their victims for their own gratification.

Ch Supt Mabs Hussain condemned the gang's conduct, describing their behavior as reprehensible and emphasizing that they targeted some of the most vulnerable members of society. The community and law enforcement agencies alike have expressed their relief at the convictions, but also their concern over the lasting impact on the victims and the community as a whole.