Grooming Gang Ringleader Granted Early Release
Grooming gang leader released from prison – Shabir Ahmed, the mastermind behind a notorious grooming gang, has been granted early release from prison. The 73-year-old was convicted in 2012 for multiple child sexual offenses, including rape, and sentenced to 22 years in prison. His victims, who were as young as 12, now face the possibility of encountering him again in the community, as he is set to be placed under a supervised release program.
Deportation Hurdles and Monitoring Conditions
Ahmed’s release comes despite efforts to deport him to Pakistan. A 55-year-old law, the 1971 Immigration Act, bars the removal of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 and have lived there for five years. The BBC reports he is currently residing in 24-hour staffed accommodation and wearing a GPS tracking tag to monitor his movements.
“Any violation of his licence terms will see him swiftly returned to prison,” stated a Home Office representative. “He will remain on the sex offenders register indefinitely and must avoid contact with children or victims.”
Political Backing and Legislative Debate
Labour’s Rochdale MP, Paul Waugh, had previously advocated for Ahmed’s deportation, urging the government to prioritize victims’ safety. However, Downing Street has confirmed no plans to amend the 1971 legislation, despite calls to address its misuse. Andy Burnham, anticipated to lead Labour, expressed support for removing the law’s provisions, stating, “Victims must come first. I will push for a review of all options.”
Meanwhile, Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp proposed an amendment to the Immigration and Asylum Bill to facilitate Ahmed’s removal. This move aligns with the views of Jim McMahon, a Labour MP representing Oldham, who acknowledged the law’s original intent but argued for its modernization.
The Grooming Gang’s Impact
Ahmed led a group of nine men who methodically exploited teenage girls in Rochdale and Oldham. The perpetrators lured victims with food and cigarettes, then intoxicated them with alcohol before subjecting them to repeated sexual abuse, often in flats above fast-food establishments. One survivor, known as Ruby, described her fear: “The main ringleader is getting out of prison, who is well known in Rochdale, Oldham and Middleton. Even if he’s not in those areas, he still knows people and can reach out to them.”
McMahon emphasized that while the 1971 act was meant to protect immigrants, its current application has been problematic. “We need to focus on the law’s original purpose, not how it’s been exploited,” he noted. The BBC understands the government is evaluating whether an amendment could allow Ahmed’s deportation without retroactively affecting other cases.
