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Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Grooming gang who plied young teenage girl with alcohol and drugs then raped her have 'pathetically short sentences' increased
Groomers who raped a young girl before escaping to Pakistan have had their 'pathetically short sentences' increased. Ibrar Hussain, now 47, and brothers Imtiaz and Fayaz Ahmed, 62 and 65, were convicted in the 1990s of sexually abusing the teenager. A court heard the trio plied the victim - aged 13 or 14 - with drugs and alcohol over the course of three years in Keighley, West Yorkshire. Both Ahmed brothers fled during their trial and are believed to still be on the run abroad, while Hussain was the only one to hear his sentence in the dock. They were the last of eight defendants convicted of sexually abusing two teenage girls. Hussain was jailed for six and a half years for two counts of rapes - with the sentences to be served concurrently. The brothers were sentenced in their absence, with Fayaz being given seven-and-a-half years while Imtiaz was given nine years in his absence for one count of rape. But on Tuesday the Court of Appeal increased Hussain's sentence for two counts of rape to 10 years, Imtiaz Ahmed's to 11 years for one count of rape, and Fayaz Ahmed's was increased to 10 years for two counts of rape. Their sentences had been referred to the Court of Appeal by the Solicitor General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme. Five of the group did not have their sentences reviewed as their cases did not meet the ULS criteria. Michael Quinn, from the Crown Prosecution Service, previously said the men's actions were 'wicked, vile and sordid'. Robbie Moore, Conservative MP for Keighley and Ilkley, had written to the attorney general's office to complain about the groomers' initial sentences. He said: 'They received pathetically short sentences, which have finally been deemed weak enough to be challenged under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) Scheme. 'These men committed horrific crimes: rape, exploitation, and the sustained abuse of two 13 and 16 year old girls in our town.' Today Robert Jenrick, shadow justice secretary, welcomed the increase in the sentences, writing on X: 'Yesterday the Court of Appeal found that these sentences were more than unduly lenient - they were significantly so.' He added: 'It is deeply troubling that these three offenders were part of a wider group tried for similar abuse. But the statutory window for referring the other five sentences under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme has now expired. 'That means justice delayed has become justice denied.' Adding that the case should 'mark a turning point', Mr Jenrick said 'serious concerns must now be raised about the consistency and adequacy of sentencing across the rape gangs trials as a whole'. During the hearing, Lord Justice Stuart-Smith, with Mrs Justice Eady and Mr Justice Cavanagh, heard the vulnerable victim met the men in the early 1990s, and was supplied with money, drugs and alcohol in return for sex. She was taken to various places where she was raped over several years, including by Hussain and the Ahmed brothers. Ibrar Hussain and Fayaz Ahmed were 18 and 17 respectively when they carried out their offences, and Imtiaz Ahmed was in his 30s. Police launched an investigation into the gang after the girl came forward as an adult to report the abuse. During the probe a second victim came forward to report one of the men had raped her as well. Bradford Crown Court heard how one of the girls was 'extremely vulnerable' and 'isolated' when she was targeted. The woman, who is now in her 40s, said had she had been listened to sooner, then 'maybe, just maybe, my life could have been different'. It was heard how the victim's mother reported her missing to police multiple times but nothing was done. She said in an impact statement the abuse she went through as a child, means now as an adult, she is still 'trying to fix the trauma that other people have inflicted on me'. Judge Ahmed Nadim criticised police and social services during the earlier trial, saying they were 'either ill-equipped to properly understand what was happening' and 'uninterested in addressing their needs'. The victim described how she was 'plied with drugs and alcohol to numb the abuse' and explained how in one instance there were men 'queuing up' in the corridor of a flat to have sex with her. She said she was 'groomed' and then 'passed on to other men' and became addicted to alcohol and drugs, using them as a 'coping mechanism'. The court heard: 'Nothing in this world can ever fix the damage I have been through - because of them I lost my identity.' Solicitor General Lucy Rigby said: 'This case involved the shocking and hideous abuse of a vulnerable teenager by these three sexual predators. 'I referred these sentences to the Court of Appeal because in my view they were unduly lenient.'
Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Telegraph
Child rapist handed lighter sentence after claiming he was ‘involved in his local mosque'
A child rapist was handed an 'unduly lenient' sentence after claiming that he was a changed person who was involved with his local mosque. The Court of Appeal has ruled that Ibrar Hussain, 47, who was jailed for six and a half years for drugging a 13-year-old girl and raping her twice should serve a longer sentence because the judge had been too soft on him. Hussain was one of three men including brothers Imtiaz and Fayaz Ahmed, aged 62 and 45, who were convicted of raping the girl in Keighley in the 1990s. They were jailed for nine years and seven and half years respectively. The court was told the three supplied the 'vulnerable' girl with money, drugs and alcohol in return for sex. She was taken to various places where she was raped over several years. Many of the offences took place in the flats above the brothers' family's grocery shop. In a victim impact statement, she said that almost 30 years after the abuse, she still suffered flashbacks and the trauma left her unable to trust people, including the services there to protect her. Mitigating, Jayne Beckett said Hussain, who later served time in jail for drug offences, was now married with children and was a 'very, very, very different man' who was involved with his local mosque and school. However, their sentences were referred to the Court of Appeal by Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, and Lucy Rigby, the solicitor general, to decide if they were unduly lenient. The appeal court judges have now decided that the sentences were too lenient and have increased Hussain and Fayaz Ahmed's sentences to 10 years and Imtiaz Ahmed's term to 11 years. 'Shocking and hideous abuse' Ms Rigby said: 'This case involved the shocking and hideous abuse of a vulnerable teenager by these three sexual predators. I referred these sentences to the Court of Appeal because in my view they were unduly lenient. I attended court for the hearing and I very much welcome the Court of Appeal's significant increases to these sentences.' Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, criticised the failure to take tougher action when Hussain was initially sentenced by Judge Ahmed Nadim. He said: 'This is a damning indictment of Judge Nadim's flawed approach to sentencing in this case, which reduced one of the rapists sentences ostensibly because he's now 'very, very different' and 'involved with his local mosque'. 'How does being involved in your local mosque reduce your sentence for child rape? 'It is deeply troubling that these three offenders were part of a wider group tried for similar abuse. But the statutory window for referring the other five sentences under the unduly lenient sentence scheme has now expired. 'That means justice delayed has become justice denied. This case should mark a turning point. Serious concerns must now be raised about the consistency and adequacy of sentencing across the rape gangs trials as a whole.' Imtiaz and Fayaz Ahmed are believed to have absconded to Pakistan in 2023 and were sentenced in absentia. Following their sentencing, Robbie Moore, the Keighley and Ilkley MP, contacted the Attorney General to complain about the sentences.
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- The Guardian
Men who raped Yorkshire teenager in 1990s given longer sentences
Three child sexual abusers who raped a vulnerable teenager over several years in the 1990s have had their sentences extended after intervention by the solicitor general. Ibrar Hussain, 47, and brothers Imtiaz, 64, and Fayaz Ahmed, 45, had their sentences increased after Lucy Rigby referred the case to the court of appeal under the unduly lenient sentence scheme. A court heard that the victim, who has not been named, moved to Keighley, West Yorkshire in the early 1990s when she was a vulnerable teenager, where she met the three men. She was supplied with money, drugs and alcohol in return for sex. She was taken to various places where she was raped over several years, including by Hussain and the Ahmed brothers. Many of the offences took place in the flats above the brothers' family's grocery shop. Hussain and Fayaz Ahmed were 18 and 17 respectively when they carried out their offences, while Imtiaz Ahmed was in his 30s. In an impact statement read to the court, the victim said that almost 30 years after the abuse, she still suffered flashbacks and the trauma left her unable to trust people, including the services there to protect her. Rigby said: 'This case involved the shocking and hideous abuse of a vulnerable teenager by these three sexual predators. I referred these sentences to court of appeal because in my view they were unduly lenient. 'I attended court today for the hearing and I very much welcome the court of appeal's significant increases to these sentences.' The trio were convicted in January. Ibrar Hussain was initially sentenced to six years and six months – this was increased to 10 years on Tuesday. Imtiaz Ahmed was initially sentenced to nine years, which was increased to 11, and Fayaz Ahmed had his sentence extended from seven years and six months to 10 years.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
'Unduly lenient' jail terms for Keighley child sex abusers increased
Three men who sexually abused a vulnerable girl have had their prison terms increased after they were found to be "unduly lenient".Ibrar Hussain, 47, and brothers Imtiaz and Fayaz Ahmed, aged 62 and 45, were convicted of raping a girl in Keighley in the 1990s when she was aged 13 or January, Hussain was jailed for six and a half years, Imtiaz Ahmed for nine years and Fayaz Ahmed given seven and a half Solicitor General referred the case to the Court of Appeal, with Hussain and Fayaz Ahmed's sentences increased to 10 years and Imtiaz Ahmed's term to 11 years. During their trial, the court heard the victim moved to Keighley in the early 1990s and met the men, with the girl given money, drugs and alcohol in return for and Fayaz Ahmed were 18 and 17 at the time, while Imtiaz Ahmed was in his a statement read to the court, the victim said she still suffered flashbacks and the trauma left her unable to trust people, including the services there to protect and Fayaz Ahmed are believed to have absconded to Pakistan in 2023 and were sentenced in absentia. Following their sentencing, Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore contacted the Attorney General to complain about the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said she had agreed with Moore and referred the sentences as they were "unduly lenient"."This case involved the shocking and hideous abuse of a vulnerable teenager by these three sexual predators," she said."I attended court today for the hearing and I very much welcome the Court of Appeal's significant increases to these sentences." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Business Recorder
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Ministries asked to align their projects with ‘URAAN'
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal directed the relevant authorities and ministries to align their projects with URAAN Pakistan's strategic goals and actively participate in the monitoring, reporting, and evaluation process. He also directed the relevant authorities to conduct quarterly meetings to review the performance and targets of the implementation plans and goals of the URAAN Pakistan programme. The minister gave these directions while chairing a special meeting on the alignment of sectoral priorities, plans, and interventions with URAAN Pakistan here on Wednesday. Minister launches Season-2 of Uraan innovation hub The meeting was attended by Chief Economist Planning Commission Dr Imtiaz Ahmed, Project Director URAAN Pakistan Irma Malik, Members of the Planning Commission, and senior officials from federal and provincial ministries. The minister emphasised improved stakeholder coordination and management, a deeper understanding of URAAN Pakistan among line ministry partners, identification of targeted policy interventions for localised implementation, development and oversight of a monitoring framework, and a comprehensive document on early priorities and opportunities. He added that gaps must be identified to implement URAAN Pakistan effectively. In his opening remarks, Ahsan Iqbal paid rich tribute to the timely, effective, and courageous response of the Pakistan Air Force against Indian aggression. He stated that Pakistan's aircraft are not merely machines— they symbolise national dignity, pride, and an unwavering commitment to the defense of the motherland. He asserted that a nation that knows how to defend its territory can never be defeated by any enemy. The minister further highlighted that the brave air warriors of the Pakistan Air Force downed five Indian jets in a swift counter-operation, sending a strong message that the Pakistani nation remains vigilant and fully capable of responding decisively to any hostile intent. By delivering a robust and fitting reply, the Pakistan Armed Forces demonstrated to the world the consequences that await those who cast an evil eye on Pakistan. 'I am confident,' the minister added, 'that after this, India will think 10 times before repeating such aggression. However, this act of hostility will not deter us from our real agenda—Pakistan's economic development.' He emphasised that true national security today is directly linked with economic strength. Until Pakistan becomes economically strong, it cannot ensure a prosperous future for its people. 'We must realise,' he said, 'that if we want to achieve our development goals and make Pakistan a developed nation, we must break away from the mindset of 'business as usual.' Business as usual will not allow us to fully utilise our national potential. We need to move forward with a bold, future-oriented approach.' He stressed that the modern era is driven by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology, and Pakistan must align itself with this global pace. 'Look at our public offices and schools— very little has changed. The world has advanced rapidly, yet these two sectors remain stagnant. We must embrace change step by step, as this is now an urgent national requirement.' This, he said, is the core philosophy behind the 'URAAN Pakistan' initiative—to put Pakistan on a transformational path. By unlocking our full potential and driving growth, Pakistan can become a $1 trillion economy by 2025. But if we continue with the same pace and mindset, growing only at four per cent annually, we will only reach $500 billion by 2035. He concluded by stating that transformational change is needed in every institution. 'URAAN Pakistan is not just a program—it is a national transformational plan that calls upon every sector to design and implement bold strategies for high-speed and sustainable growth.' He also added that the 5Es of URAAN Pakistan reflect the five major weaknesses of our economy, and addressing them is key to achieving long-term national prosperity. He said that 'Pakistan has long relied on consumption and imports. Now is the time to shift towards growth driven by exports,' he stressed. He emphasized that growth must be inclusive, ensuring equity and poverty alleviation through job creation and youth development. URAAN Pakistan, he said, prioritises skills training and workforce development to meet the demands of an evolving industrial landscape. 'Nations that embrace technology leapfrog stages of development. Those that resist are left behind. Digitalisation is not just about apps and portals—it's about dismantling red tape and building responsive, intelligent systems,' he remarked. Iqbal described the emergence of 'e-Pakistan' as a new pillar of the country's transformation strategy, focused on re-imagining the national economic model through digital ecosystems in fintech, agri-tech, and green-tech – all designed to generate jobs and attract investment. He said policies were being shaped to position Pakistan as a regional IT hub, supporting artificial intelligence labs, digital finance, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure. 'Pakistan's future economic resilience depends on climate-smart planning,' he added. The Project Director, Irma, briefly discussed the agenda of the meeting with the participants, which was to review, identify, and plug gaps in sectoral policies, plans, and interventions in light of URAAN Pakistan. The objective is to revamp effective and high-productivity sectoral transformation plans for the National Economic Transformation, to develop a robust KPI framework for efficient monitoring and evaluation, to build a common understanding of the URAAN Pakistan Programme among focal persons, to enhance the capacity of line ministries on the URAAN Pakistan implementation framework, and to improve coordination mechanisms for the implementation of development programmes. Furthermore, the meeting aimed to ensure that PSDPs and ADPs are aligned with URAAN goals and to identify early harvest and high-impact projects within each sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
