Child sex abuse: Eight go on trial over 16 alleged offences

The jury in their trial at Sheffield Crown Court was sworn this morning and the prosecution is due to open its case this afternoon.

In total the men face 19 charges, of which three are joint charges, dating from between 1999 and 2003.

The trial is expected to last six weeks and is being presided over by Her Honour Judge Sarah Wright.

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 have all denied the charges against them.