Two cousins, Manzorr Hussain, aged 54, and Imtiaz Ali, aged 53, have been found guilty of grooming and raping five teenage girls in a distressing pattern of abuse. The incidents of non-recent child sexual exploitation occurred between 1996 and 2000 in Bury. The victims, aged between 13 and 16, were provided with alcohol and drugs before being subjected to abuse by the perpetrators. The manipulation and exploitation of these vulnerable girls took place not only in Bury but also in various locations across Greater Manchester and even in Wales.
Following a four-week trial, the duo was convicted and is scheduled for sentencing in December as per reports from the Manchester Evening News. Additionally, a third man, Hussain’s older brother Ghulam Hussain, aged 64, faced charges related to the case but is believed to have left the country, as disclosed during the trial.
The prosecution, represented by Anna Pope, described the case as involving the grooming and sexual abuse of five teenage girls by three men during the late 1990s. The victims, who had troubled backgrounds, were allegedly taken advantage of and groomed through the provision of alcohol, drugs, transportation, and companionship by older men. The prosecution emphasized that the girls were coerced into feeling indebted to the perpetrators, leading to non-consensual sexual activities.
Pope asserted that Ghulam Hussain played a central role, allegedly abusing teenage girls and then involving his brother Manzorr Hussain and cousin Imtiaz Ali in the exploitation. The trio, known for running market stalls, were linked to various locations where the abuse took place.
Notably, Hussain was convicted of multiple counts of rape and indecent assault, while Ali was found guilty of similar charges. Greater Manchester Police’s Sergeant Daniel Whittaker, who oversaw the investigation, condemned the predatory behavior of the offenders, highlighting their deliberate targeting of vulnerable children through alcohol and drug inducement before subjecting them to abuse.
Whittaker praised the victims for their courage in testifying against the perpetrators and supporting the investigation, noting that their bravery was crucial in securing the convictions. The police hope that the legal outcomes provide some justice and closure to the victims following the traumatic experiences they endured.