Badrul Hussain

Badrul Hussain, 37, from Drybeck Court, was sentenced for his involvement in the drugs arm of the grooming network investigated under Operation Sanctuary by Northumbria Police. While his conviction centred on drugs offences, these were integral to the gang's operations, enabling the sexual exploitation and control of vulnerable young women in Newcastle. The case highlighted how drug supply facilitated the broader pattern of abuse within the group.

Newcastle Crown Court Judge Penny Moreland sentenced Hussain to four years in prison specifically for drugs offences, as part of the ongoing sentencing for the Operation Sanctuary convictions. This followed the August 2017 guilty verdicts for 17 men and one woman, with eight convicted of conspiracy to incite prostitution. Hussain's role supported the perpetrators by providing substances used to groom and coerce victims into sexual acts.

• The investigation revealed the interconnected nature of drugs and sexual crimes, with Hussain's contributions aiding the gang's systematic abuse.
• Broader victim testimonies described long-term effects like night terrors and mental health deterioration, underscoring the ripple effects of such support roles.

The second day of sentencing in September 2017 addressed Hussain alongside other members, with proceedings expected to continue until Friday. Operation Sanctuary's two-year probe included paying over £10,000 to informants, including a child rapist, to build the case. The judge clarified no evidence of racial aggravation, noting the gang preyed on youth and vulnerability. Hussain's imprisonment marked another step in holding the network accountable for child sex offences and related crimes.