Five men convicted of non-recent child sexual exploitation offences in Rochdale

Five men were convicted yesterday (17 August) of 22 non-recent child sexual exploitation offences in Rochdale.

The trial, which started in May, took place at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court and the men will be sentenced on 31 October.

The two victims and survivors were teenage girls when they were subjected to horrific abuse between 2002 and 2006.

Mohammed Ghani, 38, of Rochdale has been found guilty of child sexual offences.

Insar Hussain, 38, of Rochdale has been found guilty of child sexual offences.

Jahn Shahid Ghani, 50, of Rochdale has been found guilty of child sexual offences.

Ali Razza Hussain Kazmi, 35, of Rochdale has been found guilty of child sexual offences.

Martin Rhodes, 39, of Blackpool pleaded guilty to four counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson said: “These convictions are a testament to the true resilience of the victims and survivors who, thankfully, felt able to trust Greater Manchester Police, and have the confidence in the criminal justice system to support prosecutions. They demonstrated such bravery in testifying against these offenders on their journey to justice.

“This result is long-awaited – we are truly thankful to the victims and survivors for their continued patience and engagement, as we followed due process to ensure sound prosecutions. We understand that CSE can often have a lifelong impact on those affected – as such, specialist services will continue to provide them with care for as long as they need.”

Today’s convictions are the first led by GMP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team (formerly the Force CSE Unit). CSE MIT was established in 2021 and is dedicated to investigating the most serious and complex cases across Greater Manchester, whilst supporting investigations led by district-based officers. It is made up of police officers and staff who are specially trained to work with partner agencies to effectively identify and engage with victims, ensure safeguarding action is taken, locate and trace suspects, and gather evidence for presentation to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The result follows an eight-year investigation and the first of five ‘cohorts’ of charges under Operation Lytton. So far, under Operation Lytton, 36 men have been charged with more than 300 child sexual offences.
 

Read more: Operation Lytton: five men from Rochdale charged in connection with non-recent child sexual exploitation, bringing total number of men charged to 36Published: 27 July 2023

Lytton follows three previous operations, also focussing on non-recent CSE in Rochdale, which resulted in the convictions of 36 offenders in 2012 and 2015.

ACC Sarah Jackson added: “These convictions are also a significant milestone on our continuing journey to improve investigations into non-recent child sexual exploitation across Greater Manchester. Whilst we have had every confidence in the operating model of the CSE MIT team since its launch in 2021, we know those to whom we are accountable have been keen to see further judicial outcomes.

“Victims, survivors and members of the public have continued assurance that, whilst investigations into non-recent CSE are complex and can take some time, GMP and Rochdale Council are ready to respond, and that the victim-led, suspect-focussed approach, taken in this case and others, yields results in terms of justice for victims, survivors, offenders, and communities.”

Sharon Hubber, Rochdale Borough Council’s director of children’s services, said: “These were sickening crimes committed against two vulnerable young girls, whose strength and determination was instrumental in bringing this case forward.

“Operation Lytton, launched in 2015, is part of continuing efforts between ourselves, the police and other partner organisations to identify and prosecute as many perpetrators of non-recent child sexual abuse as possible, while supporting victims and survivors.

“We remain committed to that work and will continue to give our support where it is needed. As an organisation, we have made huge changes to the way we support children who are at risk of, or who are victims of, sexual exploitation.

“The service which is delivered today to support these children is very different to the service which was delivered in the past. This includes an even stronger emphasis on the child, which is supported by a dedicated multi agency team with specialist skills. A recent Ofsted inspection highlighted that children and young people subject to child sexual exploitation receive an effective service from our multi-agency team.” 

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If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.