YASSAR HUSSAIN AND NEWCASTLE'S DARK UNDERBELLY: SHOCKING SEXUAL ABUSE AND DRUG RINGS EXPOSED

A disturbing series of criminal activities involving the exploitation of young girls has come to light in Newcastle, revealing a deeply rooted network of abuse, drug distribution, and systematic manipulation. Eighteen individuals have been convicted in connection with these heinous crimes, which spanned several years and involved vulnerable victims as young as 14.

The victims, many of whom were from the West End of Newcastle, were targeted by what court descriptions have labeled a 'cynical organisation' that preyed on their vulnerabilities. Over the course of four separate trials, evidence was presented that detailed how these young women were lured into a cycle of abuse, often after being initially flattered by the attention of their abusers. The perpetrators, a mix of men and women from diverse backgrounds including Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian, Iraqi, Iranian, and Turkish communities, systematically exploited these girls by providing alcohol and drugs, notably mephedrone, also known as M-Kat.

During court proceedings, it was revealed that bags of M-Kat were left openly on coffee tables at the parties, known locally as 'sessions,' where the victims were often coerced into sexual acts. These gatherings took place at various locations around the West End, including the top floor of the tower block Todd's Nook. One teenage girl recounted being raped three times at one such location, illustrating the brutal and systematic nature of the abuse.

The prosecution described the victims as being passed between different abusers within this organized, cynical operation. Many victims testified that they were too intoxicated to resist or defend themselves, with some becoming addicted to drugs and feeling compelled to perform sexual acts in exchange for substances. One victim detailed attending approximately 60 parties, while another described being taken to an address where she encountered two older men and a woman who appeared frightened and submissive, warning that they would be beaten if they did not comply.

Another victim recounted that she knew she had to engage in sexual acts to obtain drugs or alcohol, with one abuser locking the door and telling her she would only be allowed out if she had sex. These accounts underscore the coercive environment created by the offenders, who used drugs and intimidation to control their victims.

In the course of the investigation, Northumbria Police launched Operation Sanctuary in December 2013 to address allegations of sexual abuse against girls and young women. The ongoing investigation has resulted in 461 arrests, with police speaking to 703 potential complainants and identifying 278 victims. Due to the scale of the operation, it was divided into several spin-off investigations, including Operation Shelter, which uncovered groups of men in the West End of Newcastle exploiting vulnerable young women from 2010 to 2014.

One of the key figures in this case, Yassar Hussain, aged 27 and residing on Canning Street, was convicted of multiple charges including assault and possession of drugs. His conviction is part of a broader crackdown that has seen numerous arrests and convictions of individuals involved in this network.

The court heard harrowing details from victims, including Sarah (not her real name), a 19-year-old who was extremely vulnerable and unable to care for herself. In early 2014, she reported being raped by Abdul Minoyee, which prompted police to investigate further. A detective involved in her case noted that her testimony indicated a much larger scale of abuse. This suspicion was confirmed days later when two girls in care, aged 14 and 15, reported being repeatedly raped by groups of older Asian men after being driven into Newcastle, where they were supplied with alcohol and cocaine before being assaulted and beaten. These girls were then returned home, having been given money by their abusers.

In response to these revelations, Newcastle City Council has initiated a serious case review concerning the abuse of a girl in local authority care. Council leader Nick Forbes condemned the crimes as 'vile' and praised the bravery of the victims, emphasizing that their courage has contributed to making the city safer. Chief Constable Steve Ashman reaffirmed the police's commitment to relentless pursuit of justice, stating that there has been no political correctness in their approach and that all efforts have been made to arrest and prosecute those responsible.

As reporting restrictions have now been lifted, it has been disclosed that a police officer was dismissed for failing to investigate a sex offender’s phone during an earlier phase of Operation Sanctuary. This failure was linked to the conviction of Bahmani Ahmadi, highlighting ongoing issues within the police force’s handling of such cases. Chief Constable Ashman expressed that the dismissal reflects a shift in police culture towards greater diligence and accountability.

Among those convicted are several individuals, including Mohammed Azram, Jahangir Zaman, Nashir Uddin, and Saiful Islam, who received sentences ranging from seven to ten years for their roles in the abuse and drug trafficking operations. Notably, Yassar Hussain was sentenced to two years in prison for assault and drug possession. Others, such as Abdul Sabe, Habibur Rahim, and Badrul Hussain, faced charges related to trafficking, inciting prostitution, and drug offences. The convictions also include those of individuals involved in conspiracy to incite prostitution and supplying drugs to victims, illustrating the extensive reach of this criminal network.

These convictions mark a significant step in addressing the widespread exploitation that plagued Newcastle’s West End over several years. The authorities remain committed to pursuing justice for all victims and dismantling the organized groups responsible for these heinous crimes, ensuring that such abuses are not tolerated in the community anymore.