Bradford men jailed for grooming and abuse of girl

BRADFORD MEN JAILED FOR GROOMING AND ABUSE OF GIRL

Seven men from Bradford who groomed and sexually abused a vulnerable girl have been jailed.

The sentencing follows the jailing of Raja Zulqurnean for 18 years in May, although his term was subsequently increased to 23 years by the Court of Appeal.

The seven other men were convicted following trials at Bradford Crown Court and were sentenced at the same court earlier.

The victim, who has a right to anonymity, was sexually abused from the age of 13 and that continued when she was in a Bradford children's home in the early 2000s.

The jury was told Zulqurnean had "married" the victim when she was aged 15 in the early 2000s, and the "wedding" was attended by the girl's social worker despite care home staff fearing exploitation.

Prosecutor Kama Melly KC told the court that the victim would be taken to properties where she would be abused, often in secluded areas and given alcohol.

The victim has chronic PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

She addressed her abusers in a statement read in court, saying she had been "exploited for your sexual gratification" and that "your actions have had far-reaching consequences".

She said she had lost her childhood and reflected that West Yorkshire Police failed to address their plight adequately.

She also considered taking her own life after six years of trauma.