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ITV News
07-05-2025
- ITV News
Barrister says crimes of previous Asian grooming gangs not relevant to trial of seven men
The crimes of 'Asian grooming gangs' in Rochdale was not relevant to the cases of seven men on trial accused of historical child sexual exploitation in the town, jurors have been told. The defendants deny various alleged sexual offences said to have been committed against two teenage girls between 2001 and 2006. On Wednesday 7 May, Lisa Wilding KC, representing Mohammed Zahid – one of those accused – told the jury at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court that they must approach the case 'with a surgeon's precision' and solely on the evidence heard in the courtroom. In her closing speech, she said: 'You have been told by the prosecution of the unhappy fate of Rochdale and that its name is now not synonymous with the great achievements of the Industrial Revolution but with the widespread publicity that has arisen from the prosecution of men, of what has become known as Asian grooming gangs. 'It is a fact that others have been convicted of criminal activity, more widely arising from criminal activity in Rochdale.' Other men had also been convicted of crimes against one of the two complainants, Girl A, she said. Ms Wilding said: 'But it's very important you must approach this case with a surgeon's precision. The fact that other men have committed crimes is not relevant to your determination as to whether these men have committed crimes. 'You must decide this case against each defendant on the evidence you have heard in this courtroom – not on anything outside, not on anything that has gone on before.' The barrister said to jurors they 'may easily conclude' Girl A and Girl B were 'vulnerable young girls' who had told them from the witness box they had been abused by others, 'many others' in the case of Girl A and earlier when she was 'really young' in the case of Girl B. Ms Wilding said: 'It is not enough that (Girl A) and (Girl B) were vulnerable young women. That alone does not make any defendant guilty.' Former market trader Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, is alleged to have raped both girls. Ms Wilding said he denied any sexual activity with either of the complainants. He denied ever meeting Girl B, or knowingly doing so, and denied everything she alleged whether it was sex in the basement of a clothing shop, in a flat, in a house or elsewhere. Ms Wilding said Zahid accepted he knew Girl A, but said sexual activity did not take place between them. The other defendants on trial are Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley, Road, Rochdale; Mohammed Shahzad, 44,of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale; Nisar Hussain, 41, of Newfield Close, Rochdale; Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale; Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham; and Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham. Earlier, prosecutor Rossano Scamardella KC told the jury the testimony of the complainants was 'compelling'. He said: 'They are telling the truth and in telling the truth they had to have courage to come to court and give evidence, which they did for days on end. 'Their bravery shown giving evidence puts their abusers to shame.'Both had their lives destroyed by these men and others like them. They both endured years of misery being sexually abused by almost every man with which they came into contact. "Despite that they both gave evidence with dignity.'It was ruthless abuse of imbalance of power for instant sexual gratification. Each of these men only thought of themselves. "They cared not for their victims. They discarded them like rubbish once they had what they wanted.' He added the abuse had taken place 'under the noses of social workers and others who should have done far more to protect them'.
BBC News
07-05-2025
- BBC News
Previous Asian grooming gangs in Rochdale 'not relevant'
Previous Asian grooming gangs 'not relevant' - trial 12 minutes ago Share Save Share Save PA Media Seven men are on trial accused of historical child sexual exploitation in Rochdale The crimes of "Asian grooming gangs" in Rochdale were not relevant to the cases of seven men on trial accused of historical child sexual exploitation in the town, jurors have been told. The defendants have denied various sexual offences alleged to have been committed against two teenage girls between 2001 and 2006. Lisa Wilding KC, representing Mohammed Zahid - one of the accused - told the jury at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court that they must approach the case "with a surgeon's precision". She said: "You must decide this case against each defendant on the evidence you have heard in this courtroom - not on anything outside, not on anything that has gone on before." In her closing speech, she said: "You have been told by the prosecution of the unhappy fate of Rochdale and that its name is now not synonymous with the great achievements of the Industrial Revolution but with the widespread publicity that has arisen from the prosecution of men, of what has become known as Asian grooming gangs. "It is a fact that others have been convicted of criminal activity, more widely arising from criminal activity in Rochdale." Other men had also been convicted of crimes against one of the two complainants, Girl A, she said in her closing speech. Ms Wilding said: "But it's very important you must approach this case with a surgeon's precision. The fact that other men have committed crimes is not relevant to your determination as to whether these men have committed crimes. "You must decide this case against each defendant on the evidence you have heard in this courtroom - not on anything outside, not on anything that has gone on before." 'Vulnerable young girls' The barrister told jurors they "may easily conclude" Girl A and Girl B were "vulnerable young girls" who had told them from the witness box they had been abused by others - "many others" in the case of Girl A and earlier when she was "really young" in the case of Girl B. Ms Wilding said: "It is not enough that [Girl A] and [Girl B] were vulnerable young women. That alone does not make any defendant guilty." Former market trader Mr Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, is alleged to have raped both girls. Ms Wilding said he denied any sexual activity with either of the complainants. He denied ever meeting Girl B, or knowingly doing so, and denied everything she alleged - whether it was sex in the basement of a clothing shop, in a flat, in a house or elsewhere. Ms Wilding said Mr Zahid accepted he knew Girl A, but said sexual activity did not take place between them. The other defendants on trial are Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley, Road, Rochdale; Mohammed Shahzad, 44, of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale; Nisar Hussain, 41, of Newfield Close, Rochdale; Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale; Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, of Corona Avenue, Oldham; and Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham. Earlier, prosecutor Rossano Scamardella KC told the jury the testimony of the complainants was "compelling". He said: "They are telling the truth, and in telling the truth they had to have courage to come to court and give evidence, which they did for days on end. "Their bravery shown giving evidence puts their abusers to shame. "Both had their lives destroyed by these men and others like them." Mr Scamardella said the abuse had taken place "under the noses of social workers and others who should have done far more to protect them".
The Journal
30-04-2025
- The Journal
Retired Defence Forces member jailed for grooming and sexually abusing two young girls in 1980s
A RETIRED MEMBER of the Defence Forces was today jailed for sexually abusing and grooming two young girls in the 1980s. Eddie Lillis was jailed for three and half years at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. He had denied sexually abusing the two girls, who were aged between three and eight, when he groomed and abused them in the 1980s. Judge Colin Daly lifted a court order restricting the media from identifying Lillis, (63), of Shannonvale, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick. Shortly after Lillis sexually assaulted his first victim, Girl A, she told her mother what happened and gave a formal statement to gardaí. However the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the time directed there was not enough evidence to prosecute Lillis. Lillis went on to abuse Girl B, the court heard. Four decades later in 2020, after Girl A made another complaint and gardaí received a separate complaint from Lillis' second victim, Girl B, gardaí re-investigated the case and the DPP ordered Lillis to face trial. Lillis pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Following his trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, he was convicted on four of the five charges, and the jury could not reach a decision on the fifth count. In her victim impact statement which she read in court, Girl A stated: 'If Eddie Lillis had been held accountable when I made my original complaint, (Girl B) may have avoided his depraved actions. 'My hope is that by making his crimes known to the public Eddie Lillis will never have the opportunity to harm another child.' Both women said they came forward to gardaí to 'protect other little girls' from Lillis, or indeed, any other 'paedophile'. Advertisement They said they wanted to show 'other victims of historic sexual abuse that it is never too late to pursue justice'. Lillis, who was supported in court by some of his family, said through his barrister that despite him having contested the trial, he accepted the jury's decision. Girl A stated that the 'heinous' sex acts carried out on her by Lillis changed her from being 'a carefree, innocent six-year old little girl, to feeling confused and terrified'. 'The person who hurt me was someone who was supposed to protect and serve our community. 'Instead, he took advantage of my innocence and vulnerability.' Girl A, who was sexually assaulted by Lillis a few days prior her First Holy Communion, praised her parents 'who instantly believed me and brought me to make a statement to gardaí'. She said she continued to struggle afterwards with anxiety knowing 'that there are many more Eddie Lillis's out there'. 'He is now a convicted paedophile, I am relieved that my allegations were finally taken seriously by the DPP and that (the defendant) is being held to account,' Girl A concluded. Girl B told the court that, Lillis's sexual assaults on her had 'warped' her childhood, and that 'despite extensive and ongoing therapy, the psychological scars never go away.' Girl B said the abuse made her fearful for her own daughter and 'all little girls because of men like Edward Lillis', and that her fear for other children convinced her 'to come forward once and for all'. 'He (Lillis) maintained his innocence and put my family and I through the further trauma of a trial, he has never shown a midget of remorse.' Neither victim wished to be identified but they said they supported the court lifting reporting restrictions on identifying Lillis. Lillis' barrister, senior counsel, Anthony Salmon, asked Judge Colin Daly to take into account Lillis's 'service to the State, and his previous good character until his convictions caught up with him'. Jailing Lillis, Judge Daly said the married father of three, 'took advantage' of his position of trust in the community 'to abuse the two children'. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
30-04-2025
- Irish Times
Retired Defence Forces member jailed for sexual abuse of two young girls in 1980s
A retired member of the Defence Forces has been jailed for grooming and sexually abusing two young girls in the 1980s. Eddie Lillis was jailed for three and half years at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court after he was convicted of indecent assault of the two girls, who were aged between three and eight when he groomed and abused them. Judge Colin Daly lifted a court order restricting the media from identifying Lillis (63), of Shannonvale, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick. Shortly after Lillis sexually assaulted his first victim, Girl A, she told her mother what happened and gave a formal statement to gardaí. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the time directed there was not enough evidence to prosecute Lillis. READ MORE Lillis went on to abuse Girl B, the court heard. In 2020, after Girl A made another complaint and gardaí received a separate complaint fromGirl B, the case was reinvestigated and the Director of Public Prosecutions ordered Lillis to face trial. Lillis pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Following his trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, he was convicted on four of the five charges, and the jury could not reach a decision on the fifth count. In her victim impact statement which she read in court, Girl A stated: 'If Eddie Lillis had been held accountable when I made my original complaint, (Girl B) may have avoided his depraved actions. 'My hope is that by making his crimes known to the public Eddie Lillis will never have the opportunity to harm another child.' Both women said they came forward to gardaí to 'protect other little girls' from Lillis, or indeed, any other 'paedophile'. They said they wanted to show 'other victims of historic sexual abuse that it is never too late to pursue justice'. Lillis, who was supported in court by some of his family said, through his barrister, that, despite him having contested the trial, he accepted the jury's decision. Girl A stated that the 'heinous' acts carried out on her by Lillis changed her from being 'a carefree, innocent six-year old little girl, to feeling confused and terrified'. 'The person who hurt me was someone who was supposed to protect and serve our community - Instead, he took advantage of my innocence and vulnerability.' Girl A, who was sexually assaulted by Lillis a few days prior her First Holy Communion, praised her parents 'who instantly believed me and brought me to make a statement to gardaí'. She said she continued to struggle afterwards with anxiety knowing 'that there are many more Eddie Lillises out there'. Girl B told the court that Lillis's sexual assaults on her had 'warped' her childhood, and that 'despite extensive and ongoing therapy, the psychological scars never go away.' Girl B said the abuse made her fearful for her own daughter and 'all little girls because of men like Edward Lillis', and that her fear for other children convinced her 'to come forward once and for all'. Neither victim wished to be identified but they said they supported the court lifting reporting restrictions on identifying Lillis. Lillis' barrister, senior counsel, Anthony Salmon, asked Judge Colin Daly to take into account Lillis's 'service to the State, and his previous good character until his convictions caught up with him'. Jailing Lillis, Judge Daly said the married father of three 'took advantage' of his position of trust in the community 'to abuse the two children'.
Irish Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Depraved paedophile' identified 40 years after sexual abusing two girls under 8
This is retired member of the Defence Forces, Eddie Lillis, unmasked today as a 'depraved paedophile' who preyed upon and sexually assaulted two little girls 40 years ago. Lillis was jailed for three and half years at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court after he admitted sexually abusing the two girls, who were aged between three and eight when he groomed and abused them in the 1980s. Judge Colin Daly lifted a court order restricting the media from identifying Lillis, 63, of Shannonvale, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick. Shortly after Lillis sexually assaulted his first victim, Girl A, she told her mother what happened and gave a formal statement to Gardaí, however, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), at the time, directed there was not enough evidence to prosecute Lillis. Lillis went on to abuse Girl B, the court heard. However, four decades later, in 2020, after Girl A made another complaint and Gardaí received a separate complaint from Lillis' second victim, Girl B, Gardaí re-investigated the case and the DPP ordered Lillis to face trial. Lillis pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Following his trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court, he was convicted on four of the five charges, and the jury could not reach a decision on the fifth count. In her victim impact statement which she read in court, Girl A stated: 'If Eddie Lillis had been held accountable when I made my original complaint, (Girl B) may have avoided his depraved actions. 'My hope is that by making his crimes known to the public, Eddie Lillis will never have the opportunity to harm another child.' Both women said they came forward to Gardaí to 'protect other little girls' from Lillis, or indeed, any other 'paedophile'. They said they wanted to show 'other victims of historic sexual abuse that it is never too late to pursue justice'. Lillis, who was supported in court by some of his family, said, through his barrister, that, despite him having contested the trial, he accepted the jury's decision. Girl A stated that the 'heinous' sex acts carried out on her by Lillis changed her from being 'a carefree, innocent six-year old little girl, to feeling confused and terrified'. 'The person who hurt me was someone who was supposed to protect and serve our community - Instead, he took advantage of my innocence and vulnerability. 'I had never seen a man's penis before, and the thought and disgusting smell of his penis has stayed with me into adulthood and still makes me feel sick to my stomach.' Girl A, who was sexually assaulted by Lillis a few days prior to her First Holy Communion, praised her parents 'who instantly believed me and brought me to make a statement to Gardaí'. She said she continued to struggle afterwards with anxiety knowing 'that there are many more Eddie Lillis's out there'. 'It has affected my family who felt helpless in bringing this pedophile to justice, I watched it have a devastating impact on my parents and siblings,' she said. 'The only reason I have put myself and my family through this is to keep other children safe from this man.' 'He is now a convicted paedophile, I am relieved that my allegations were finally taken seriously by the DPP and that (the defendant) is being held to account,' Girl A concluded. Girl B told the court that Lillis's sexual assaults on her had 'warped' her childhood and that 'despite extensive and ongoing therapy, the psychological scars never go away'. Girl B said the abuse made her fearful for her own daughter and 'all little girls because of men like Edward Lillis', and that her fear for other children convinced her 'to come forward once and for all'. 'He (Lillis) maintained his innocence and put my family and I through the further trauma of a trial, he has never shown a midget of remorse.' Neither victim wished to be identified but they said they supported the court lifting reporting restrictions on identifying Lillis. Lillis' barrister, senior counsel, Anthony Salmon, asked Judge Colin Daly to take into account Lillis's 'service to the State, and his previous good character until his convictions caught up with him'. Jailing Lillis, Judge Daly said the married father of three 'took advantage' of his position of trust in the community 'to abuse the two children'.
