Rachel Morgan reports on a shocking revelation that has left survivors of a notorious Rochdale grooming gang reeling. According to Labour MP Jim McMahon, victims learned about the impending release of ringleader Shabir Ahmed through social media channels, highlighting significant shortcomings in how they are informed about crucial developments.
Shabir Ahmed, 73, was sentenced to 22 years in prison in 2012 for multiple child sexual offences, including rape. He had preyed on girls as young as 12, exploiting vulnerabilities that were exacerbated by systemic failings in Greater Manchester Police and Rochdale Council. The Immigration Act 1971 prevents his deportation to Pakistan due to his arrival in the UK prior to 1973 and subsequent residence.
MP McMahon condemned the lack of official communication with victims whose cases did not progress to court, leaving many initially unaware of Ahmed's release and whether he would be permitted to return to their local communities. The uncertainty was "quite traumatic for many people," McMahon stressed, underlining the need for better communication.
The Home Office has confirmed that Ahmed will be subject to stringent licence conditions upon his release, including exclusion zones, an electronically monitored curfew, and mandatory registration on the sex offenders register. However, campaigner Maggie Oliver expressed outrage on behalf of victims who had been led to believe their abusers would be deported after serving their sentences.
An incident recounted by Ms Oliver is particularly distressing: a victim identified as Ruby encountered another gang member in a supermarket, unaware he had been released. The external review published in 2024 acknowledged the failings that left girls "at the mercy" of grooming gangs for years, raising questions about the authorities' ability to protect vulnerable individuals.
Ruby's fear is shared by many victims: that their abusers might evade scrutiny. This concern has been compounded by the news that Adil Khan, another gang member, absconded despite being under strict licence conditions. The anxiety and mistrust it generates will only be alleviated when authorities demonstrate a genuine commitment to prioritising victim safety.