Child sex abuse trial: Jury out

THE jury in the trial of eight men over for child sexual exploitation offences allegedly committed in Rotherham up to 17 years ago has retired to consider its verdict.

Sheffield Crown Court has been hearing evidence since September 13 about the alleged abuse of three young girls between 1999 and 2003.

In total the men face 19 charges, of which three are joint charges.

The judge, Her Honour Sarah Wright, finished her summing-up at 12.45pm today, at which point the jury was sent out.

Jurors have heard that abuse took place at Clifton Park, Rotherham Interchange, in an alleyway next to Boots in Rotherham town centre and in the town’s market building.

The defendants and charges are as follows:

Sageer Hussain (30), of Clough Road, Rotherham, known as Siggy or Ziggy — four counts of rape and one of indecent assault.

Basharat Hussain (40), said to be known as Bash — indecent assault.

Mohammed Whied (32) of Psalters Lane, Kimberworth, reportedly called Widdy — aiding and abetting rape.

Asif Ali (30), of Clough Road, who the prosecution say was called Ali — rape.

Ishtiaq Khaliq (33), of Carlisle Street, Rotherham — said to be known as Blinky or Ishy and to have had a problem with his eyes — rape and three counts of indecent assault.

Waleed Ali (34), of Canklow Road, Rotherham, said to be an associate of Khaliq — rape and indecent assault.

Masoued Malik (32) of Bridgewater Way, Rotherham, who the court was told was known as Masy, — rape, false imprisonment and conspiracy to commit indecent assault.

Naeem Rafiq (33), of Clarendon Road, Eastwood, allegedly called Nemy — conspiracy to commit indecent assault and false imprisonment.

The men all deny the charges against them.