Child sex abuse trial: Gang to be sentenced this morning

Three brothers - Arshid, Basharat and Bannaras Hussain - face jail for a total of 48 offences, including rape, indecent assault, forcing girls into prostitution and false imprisonment.

The brothers’ uncle, Qurban Ali, was convicted of conspiracy to rape while Ali’s former girlfriend and children’s charity founder Karen MacGregor and Shelley Davies, who lived with MacGregor in Rawmarsh, were found guilty of four and two offences respectively.

During a ten-week trial, jurors heard how Arshid Hussain - known as Mad Ash - raped a girl and told her “I own this, Rotherham’s mine.”

The gang - guilty of 55 child sex offences following a ten-week trial - will be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court today.

Her Honour Judge Sarah Wright praised jurors for their patience after verdicts were returned on Wednesday.

She said: “At the beginning of December, when you were called for jury service, you could hardly have expected to be here as we approach the end of February.

“It is clear to everyone that you have concentrated hard throughout this case and paid very close attention.

“You have asked extremely pertinent questions and followed my directions impeccably throughout.”

She added: “It has been a challenging and complex trial.

“We are very grateful to you, coming from your everyday lives, being thrust into hearing a case such as this. Your task has been considerable.

“You have my thanks and the thanks of the court for your attendance.”

Judge Wright added that she would excuse each juror from further jury service for at least ten years, if they wished.

Keep checking our website for details of the sentencing hearing today.