SARKAUT YASEN FROM WAKEFIELD AMONG DOZENS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN KIRKLEES

A significant crackdown on child sexual exploitation in North Kirklees has culminated in the imprisonment of dozens of men, with a total combined sentence of 346 years. The convictions stem from a comprehensive police investigation into the non-recent sexual abuse and trafficking of young girls, spanning over a decade from 1999 to 2012. The sentencing took place at Leeds Crown Court on April 26, and it marked a pivotal moment in addressing the long-standing abuse allegations that had haunted the community.

Among those convicted was Sarkaut Yasen, a 38-year-old man from Dewsbury, who received a 15-year prison sentence for trafficking offenses and three counts of aiding and abetting rape. His case was part of a broader series of prosecutions that identified and brought to justice individuals involved in heinous crimes against vulnerable young girls. The investigation, known as Operation Tourway, was a multi-year effort that uncovered a disturbing pattern of exploitation involving multiple offenders.

In total, 24 men have been sentenced so far, with their crimes including rape, sexual abuse, trafficking, and attempts to facilitate sexual activity with minors. The court proceedings revealed the extent of the abuse, which affected eight young girls over a period of more than a decade. One of the convicted men received a sentence exceeding 30 years, although many of the sentences were initially protected by reporting restrictions to ensure a fair trial process. With restrictions now lifted, the identities and sentences of all 24 men are publicly disclosed.

The list of convicted individuals includes Khurum Raziq, a 42-year-old from Heckmondwike, who was sentenced to 22 years after being found guilty of eight rape offences. Nasar Hussain, aged 46 from Dewsbury, received an 18-year sentence for three rape offences. Zafar Qayum, 44, also from Dewsbury, was handed a 30-year term for six counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and three counts of aiding and abetting rape. Other notable sentences include Ansar Qayum, 47, from Dewsbury, who was sentenced to 20 years for four counts of rape and one of attempted indecent assault.

Further sentences include Mohammed Jabbar Qayum, 43, from Dewsbury, with 13 years for two rape offences; Mohammed Imran Zada, 45, from Batley, with 15 years for multiple offences including sexual activity with a child; and Michael Birkenshaw, 37, from Wakefield, who received an eight-year sentence for rape. The list also features Amran Mehrban, 40, from Batley, with 13 years for rape and assault by penetration; and notably, Sarkaut Yasen from Dewsbury, who was sentenced to 15 years for trafficking and aiding rape.

Other offenders include Mohammed Saleem Nasir, 48, from Dewsbury, with 19 years; Irfan Khan, 37, from Batley, sentenced to 12 years plus five years extended license; Omar Farooq Hussain, 39, from Batley, with 18 years; Sarfraz Hussain Riaz, 40, from Dewsbury, with 15 years; and Zafar Iqbal, 38, from Batley, sentenced to 17 years. The sentences also cover trafficking offences, with individuals like Nasar Iqbal, 38, from Batley, receiving 10 years, and Mohammed Chothia, 47, from Batley, with 17 years.

One of the most severe sentences was handed to Asif Ali, 53, from Batley, who was sentenced to 24 years for 14 counts of rape, along with additional charges related to child sexual exploitation and trafficking. The investigation into these crimes began in 2015, with dedicated safeguarding detectives working tirelessly to uncover the extent of the abuse. Arrests across West Yorkshire commenced in November 2018, leading to charges in December 2020 and subsequent court proceedings that spanned multiple trials at Leeds Crown Court between 2022 and 2024.

Throughout the process, the community and authorities have worked together to confront this dark chapter, aiming to deliver justice for the victims and prevent such crimes from recurring in the future.