Shabir Ahmed, 73, the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang convicted of 30 child rapes, has been released from prison after 14 years but cannot be deported from the UK
A grooming gang ringleader convicted of 30 child rapes has been released from prison but cannot be expelled from the UK despite having his citizenship stripped.
Shabir Ahmed, 73, a central figure in the Rochdale grooming gang became a free man today after being freed from prison. The serial child rapist moved to the UK from Pakistan but had his citizenship revoked following his conviction for his horrific crimes.
Nevertheless Ahmed is to remain in the UK because of the Immigration Act 1971. The legislation shields Commonwealth citizens who entered the UK before 1973 from deportation. Rather than departing the UK Ahmed will be permitted to reside in a local community and function under various curfews, limitations and exclusion areas.
Ahmed was imprisoned in 2012 for concurrent sentences of 22 and 19 years. The child rapist was amongst nine men who were found guilty of sexual offences against children whom the group groomed at two takeaway establishments in Rochdale.
Ahmed was recognised as one of the group’s ringleaders by prosecutors. During Ahmed’s trial a court heard he violated one girl for over a decade treating her as a “possession” for his sexual satisfaction.
Victims of Ahmed have reportedly been notified via email that he was set to be released. The Oldham Chronicle reports that the Victim Contact scheme informed Ahmed’s victims he will be subject to an exclusion zone covering the entire borough of Rochdale until June 10, 2034.
The email further stated that all potential avenues to deport Ahmed from the country had been explored. However, despite these efforts, it is not possible due to Ahmed having renounced his Pakistani citizenship.
It is understood if Ahmed leaves the UK he will be prohibited from re-entering the country. For over a year, the Home Office attempted to convince Pakistan to accept Ahmed and other members of the Rochdale grooming gang who have lost their British citizenship but have renounced their Pakistani one.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the victims of these appalling crimes. Ahmed’s horrific crimes were at the heart of the grooming gangs scandal that represents one of the darkest moments in our country’s history. The most vulnerable people were abused and exploited at the hands of evil child rapists and must face the full force of the law.
“On his release he will be on the sex offender’s register for life, ordered to stay away from his victims and banned from contacting any child or young person.
“As well as facing strict curfews and restriction zones, his every movement will be tracked, forced to wear an electronic tag. Should he breach his conditions, he will be immediately locked up.”
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