MOHAMMED CHOTHIA FROM DEWSBURY SENTENCED TO 13 YEARS FOR GROOMING AND TRAFFICKING 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 at Leeds Crown Court. Among those found guilty is Mohammed Chothia, a 37-year-old resident of Dewsbury, whose actions have shocked the local community and highlighted the vulnerability of young victims in the area.

These men, described by authorities as devious and manipulative, targeted two teenage girls, aged 13 and 15, in a series of criminal acts that took place in 2014 within Dewsbury. The crimes included rape, grooming, trafficking, and the exploitation of the minors, with the abuse occurring at a flat in Dewsbury and at other addresses associated with the offenders.

The case came to light after the 13-year-old victim confided in a school welfare officer about the serious sexual assaults she endured. This disclosure prompted a police investigation that uncovered the extent of the offenders' predatory behavior. The victims' accounts detailed how they were introduced to the offenders—initially meeting in Thornes Park, Wakefield, in August, where they 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, a factory worker from School Crescent, Dewsbury.

According to West Yorkshire Police, the gang exploited their victims' vulnerabilities, engaging in sexual assaults at various locations, including the Dewsbury flat. The 13-year-old girl was also subjected to abuse at another residence, further illustrating the extent of the offenders' predatory conduct. Det Insp Lis Walker emphasized the gravity of the case, 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.”

Senior police officials, including Chief Superintendent Mabs Hussain, condemned the actions of the gang, describing their behavior as reprehensible and highlighting how they targeted some of the most vulnerable members of the community. The sentencing reflected the severity of their crimes, with Mohammed Chothia receiving a 13-year prison term after being convicted of two counts of grooming, two counts of trafficking, and one count of taking indecent photos of a child.

Other members of the gang received significant sentences: Ismail Haji was sentenced to 19 years for multiple counts of rape, sexual activity with a child, grooming, and trafficking; Imran Haji received an eight-year sentence for rape and trafficking; and Ibrahim Kola was sentenced to 10 years for rape and trafficking. The sentences underscore the serious nature of these offenses and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat such predatory behavior in West Yorkshire.