Zafran Ramzan

Zafran Ramzan, aged 21 from Broom Grove, Rotherham, was sentenced to nine years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court following his conviction for serious sexual offences against underage girls. The court heard that Ramzan raped a 16-year-old girl in her own home and engaged in sexual activity with a child on two separate occasions involving another girl. These acts were part of a broader pattern of grooming and exploitation targeting vulnerable teenage girls in the Rotherham area.

The jury convicted Ramzan of one count of rape and two counts of sexual activity with a child, though he was cleared of two further counts of rape. The offences came to light after authorities noticed significant changes in the behaviour of the victims, who were aged between 12 and 16. Ramzan, along with four other men, was described by Judge Peter Kelson QC as a 'sexual predator' preying on children, emphasising that society would not tolerate such behaviour.

During the sentencing, some defendants, including Ramzan, were emotional in the dock, but the judge dismissed their weeping, stating, 'I've listened to the backdrop of some of you sobbing - I have to say your weeping cuts no ice with me at all.' The men developed what appeared to be relationships with the girls, engaging in sexual acts in cars and parks. Ramzan has been placed on the sex offenders register as a result of his convictions.

This case forms part of ongoing efforts to address child sexual exploitation in South Yorkshire, with the prosecuting force being South Yorkshire Police. The trial took place at Sheffield Crown Court, highlighting the severe impact of grooming on young victims who initially believed they were in consensual relationships.