Two relatives have been convicted of grooming and sexually assaulting five teenage girls in a distressing pattern of abuse. Manzorr Hussain, 54, and Imtiaz Ali, 53, were found guilty of historic child sexual exploitation involving girls aged 13 to 16 in Bury from 1996 to 2000. The victims were provided with alcohol and drugs before being subjected to abuse by the men across various locations in Greater Manchester and Wales.
The duo were found guilty after a month-long trial and are set to be sentenced in December, according to reports. A third man, Hussain’s older brother Ghulam Hussain, 64, faced charges related to the case but has reportedly left the country, as per information presented to jurors during the trial.
During the prosecution’s opening statements, it was highlighted that the victims, who were vulnerable due to their backgrounds, were manipulated by the perpetrators through various means such as alcohol, drugs, transportation, and companionship. The prosecution emphasized that the girls were coerced into feeling obligated to the men, leading to non-consensual sexual activities.
The main figure in the case was purportedly Ghulam Hussain, who allegedly abused the girls and then passed them on to others, including his brother and cousin, who all operated market stalls. Ghulam Hussain, residing in Bury, allegedly orchestrated the exploitation, while Manzoor Hussain reportedly arranged for additional girls to be involved in the abuse.
The prosecution detailed instances where parties were held at a location linked to Ali, where girls were given substances and expected to provide sexual services. One victim recounted being threatened with abandonment on the moors if she did not comply with the demands of the abusers.
The Crown Prosecution Service revealed that one victim was taken to a flat where she was subjected to assaults by multiple strangers. The investigation began when one victim initially reported the abuses, prompting further inquiries that led to the identification of other victims.
Hussain, residing on Manchester Road in Bury, was found guilty of multiple counts of rape and indecent assault, while Ali, residing on Ainsworth Road in Radcliffe, Bury, was convicted of rape, indecent assault, and attempted indecent assault charges.
In response to the verdict, Sergeant Daniel Whittaker of Greater Manchester Police expressed the gravity of the case, highlighting the deliberate targeting of vulnerable children by the offenders. He commended the victims for their courage in testifying and supporting the investigation, underscoring the importance of their bravery in securing justice for the crimes committed.