The trial of a group of men, many from Beeston, who sexually abused a girl of 13 has concluded with the judge handing out long sentences at Leeds Crown Court.
Ten men have been found guilty of a range of offences relating to the grooming and systematic sexual abuse of a 13 year old Asian girl. Four of the men have received sentences as follows:
Amir Zaman, 25 , of Sefton Terrace, Beeston, was jailed for 11 years after being convicted of four offences of sexual activity with a child.
Zafar Iqbal, 41, of Latchmere Drive, Horsforth, was jailed for 15 years after being convicted of one offence of attempted rape and two of sexual activity with a child.
Tariq Islam, 31, of Cross Quarry Street, Woodhouse, was jailed for 13 years after being convicted of two offences of rape.
Nasir Sultan, 24, of Beeston Road, Beeston, was jailed for two offences of rape.
Six other men will be sentenced at a later date. The Yorkshire Evening Post quoted the prosecutor Michelle Colbourne QC saying:
“Sexual activity with girls under 16 is against the law because no matter how precocious or willing they may say they are, they are children and need protection.”
Judge Geoffrey Marson QC is quoted as saying:
“Although these offences were committed in the Beeston area, it is not to be taken as a condemnation of those who live there.
“There are many good, honourable and decent hard-working people in that area.
“It is the defendants who have brought shame upon themselves and the community.”
