Rochdale's Notorious Grooming Gang Ringleader to be Released from Prison.
Shabir Ahmed, the main figure behind a notorious child sex grooming gang in Rochdale, is set to be released from prison on July 2. Ahmed's release has sparked concerns among local authorities and victims of the abuse, who fear for their safety. According to documents published online, Ahmed will be released on licence with strict conditions, including an exclusion zone centred on Rochdale and a requirement to live in accommodation staffed 24 hours.
A victim of Ahmed's abuse, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their deep-seated fear and anxiety about the release. They stated that they live in a constant state of hypervigilance, fearing for their physical safety every time they leave their home. This fear has led to severe anxiety, disrupted sleep patterns, and forced them to alter their daily routines and social life.
The failure to deport multiple men with dual nationality convicted of serious child sex offences in grooming gangs has caused widespread anger and pressure on politicians. Neil Emmott, the leader of Rochdale council, expressed his deep concern about how Ahmed's release would affect the survivors still living in the town. He stated that he hopes Ahmed will not be allowed into the borough and will demand his immediate return to prison if he is seen in the area.
A national inquiry into grooming gangs was launched earlier this year, after the government came under increasing criticism. Ahmed's case follows a similar legal battle by two other gang members, who were stripped of their British citizenship in 2022 after fighting a long legal battle. Both men had invoked their human rights under article eight of the European Convention on Human Rights to avoid deportation.
The Home Office has stated that Ahmed will be on the sex offenders register for life, ordered to stay away from his victims, and banned from contacting any child or young person. He will also face strict curfews and restriction zones, with his every movement tracked and forced to wear an electronic tag. Should he breach his conditions, he will be immediately locked up.
