SHAHA AMRAN MIAH AND BROTHERS GUILTY OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN BARROW-IN-FURNESS AND LEEDS

In a significant case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Barrow-in-Furness and Leeds, three brothers have been convicted of serious child sex offences spanning over a decade. The defendants, Shaha Amran Miah, aged 48, along with his brothers Shaha Alman Miah, aged 47, and Shaha Joman Miah, aged 38, faced a lengthy trial at Preston Crown Court, culminating in their convictions on 28 October 2024. The crimes they committed date back to between 1996 and 2010, involving the exploitation and abuse of young girls over several years.

Shaha Amran Miah was found guilty of a total of 16 sexual offences, including indecent assault, indecency with a child, rape, kidnapping, intimidation, and sexual assault. His crimes involved sexually abusing three children, some as young as six or seven when the abuse began. The severity and duration of his offences highlight a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior that persisted over many years. Amran Miah’s actions were characterized by a blatant disregard for the well-being of his victims, and he faced charges that reflected the extent of his misconduct.

Similarly, Shaha Joman Miah was convicted of multiple serious offences, including eight counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecency with a child, three counts of sexual activity with a child, five counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, nine counts of rape of a child, six counts of sexual assault of a child, and five counts of sexual activity with a child. His abuse also targeted young girls, with some victims being subjected to repeated acts of sexual violence over several years. Joman Miah’s grooming tactics included giving gifts, alcohol, and cigarettes to his victims, notably starting a relationship with a 14-year-old girl, fully aware she was under the age of consent.

Shaha Alman Miah’s involvement was comparatively less extensive but still serious. He faced three charges of sexual activity with a girl aged 15, with evidence indicating that he engaged in a relationship with her during which her brother, Amran Miah, also committed acts of sexual abuse against her. The case revealed a disturbing web of exploitation within the family, with the victims suffering over an extended period.

One of the most alarming aspects of this case was the intimidation and threats issued by Amran Miah. In late 2009, after a girl spoke to the police about her abuse, she was threatened and physically assaulted. She was forcibly taken off the street by her hair and shoved into the back of a car, with Amran Miah sitting in the passenger seat. The man who grabbed her questioned her about her police statements and warned her that she would be killed if she disclosed any further information. During this incident, Amran Miah explicitly told her that he was capable of anything to protect his family, a chilling indication of the threats and intimidation tactics used to silence victims.

Further, threats were made against a woman scheduled to be interviewed by police in 2010 regarding the brothers’ activities. Due to these threats, the interview was canceled, illustrating the extent to which the defendants sought to obstruct justice and intimidate witnesses. Despite their protests of innocence, all three men maintained a plea of not guilty throughout the trial. However, the jury found them guilty after a comprehensive presentation of evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and extensive phone records, which proved their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

District Crown Prosecutor Derek Artis, representing CPS North West’s unit for rape and serious sexual offences, expressed his condemnation of the defendants’ actions. He stated, “Shaha Amran Miah, Shaha Alman Miah, and Shaha Joman Miah groomed and exploited the girls in this case with no concern for them or the impact that such dreadful abuse from a young age would have on their lives.” He also praised the efforts of the victims who came forward to support the prosecution, emphasizing that their bravery was crucial in securing justice. Artis added, “The CPS worked with Cumbria Police to build a strong case, including eye-witness testimony and extensive phone evidence. The strength of this evidence was instrumental in the jury’s guilty verdicts. I hope the victims can now begin to move forward, knowing that the men who abused and exploited them will face the consequences of their actions.”

The convicted men are scheduled for sentencing on 21 February 2025, and their cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and justice in protecting vulnerable children from predatory individuals within their own families and communities.