Grooming gang member’s son found guilty of intimidating trial witness

THE teenage son of Rotherham child sex abuse gang member Qurban Ali has been found guilty of intimidating a witness in the trial.

Kaleem Ali (18), of Clough Road, Masborough, appeared at Rotherham Magistrates’ Court yesterday where he denied the offence but was found guilty after trial.

The court heard how Ali approached a child sexual exploitation victim, who gave evidence in the recent crown court trial in which his father was convicted, in Rotherham in March last year.

Ali’s 53-year-old father was jailed last week for ten years after being found guilty of conspiracy to rape.

Det Con Carly Booth said: “Ali behaved in an intimidating and threatening manner towards one of the young women who courageously came forward to report years of sexual abuse.

“Ali’s behaviour is inexcusable – he terrified this young woman, leaving her shaking and crying. 

“Her strength has continued throughout this separate investigation and I hope she views today’s result as another positive step forward.

“I hope the successful conviction offers further reassurance to victims that we take offences of this nature incredibly serious. 

“Trying to scare or intimidate witnesses will absolutely not be tolerated and we will do whatever we can to bring these individuals before the courts.”

Ali has been bailed to appear before the same court on March 22 for sentencing.