A Bradford Crown Court has sentenced eight men to a combined 91 years in prison for the systematic sexual abuse of a vulnerable teenage girl in the early 2000s.
The case centers on a victim who was groomed and sexually exploited while in foster care between the ages of 13 and 15. Prosecutors revealed that 18 men are known to have abused her, though they believe many more attackers remain unidentified.
Lead Defendant’s Sentence Increased
Raja Zulqurnean, 42, received the longest sentence after being convicted of ten counts of rape and nine indecent assaults. He forced the then-15-year-old schoolgirl into an Islamic marriage ceremony after she was placed in his family’s foster care in Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Initially sentenced to 18 years in May, his term was increased to 23 years by the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient. He also received a lifetime restraining order, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and will remain on the sex offender register for life.
Disturbingly, one of the victim’s social workers reportedly attended the forced marriage ceremony.
Seven Additional Convictions
On Friday, Judge Ahmed Nadim sentenced seven other men convicted of multiple counts of rape and sexual abuse:
Mohammed Imran Akram, 42
Mohammed Shezhad Hussain, 39
Basharat Khaliq, 45
Wajid Hussain, 42
Mohammed Naheem, 39
Nadeem Ali, 39
Safraz Ahmed Latif, 40
Judge’s Remarks
Judge Nadim addressed the defendants directly: “Each of you deliberately chose to prey upon and exploit a vulnerable girl. She was neglected, unstable, and desperate for care and affection. Each of you weaponised her needs for your own sexual perverted gratification.”
He acknowledged systemic failures by parents, social services, and police, noting the victim expressed “strong distrust and animosity” toward authorities, stating they “should be in the dock with the defendants.”
The judge continued: “She was a child virtually everyone described as scruffy, immature, and young for her years. You must have known her profound vulnerability was a sign of a child in crisis, and you exploited it with total disregard for her well-being.”
Victim’s Courage Praised
The investigation began in 2019 when the victim, referred to as Anna, reported the historic abuse to police.
Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Greenbank praised the victim’s bravery: “Her courage has been immeasurable; she has had to wait a long time to see these convictions. Cases such as these are incredibly sensitive and complex and it has taken years of painstaking investigation to bring these men before the courts.”
Judge Nadim noted that the victim has managed to build a positive life despite the trauma: “It is a testament to her indomitable spirit alone – an achievement accomplished in spite of you and no thanks to you.”
Call for Other Victims
DCI Greenbank urged other victims to come forward: “If anyone has suffered abuse or has concerns about someone who may be suffering abuse, I would urge them to speak to us. We will listen to you, investigate all reports, and ensure you have access to any help or support you need.”
She added: “I hope this sends a clear message that, regardless of how long ago abuse happened, we will pursue every avenue to get justice.”RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
