Zafar Qayum

Three brothers from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, have been imprisoned for a combined total of 63 years following their conviction for historic child sex offences committed against vulnerable teenage girls. The case, investigated by West Yorkshire Police as part of a major enquiry into the sexual exploitation of young teenagers in North Kirklees between 1999 and 2012, culminated in sentencing at Leeds Crown Court on 16 September 2022.

Zafar Qayum, aged 42 and from Dewsbury, was identified as the primary offender in the group. He was found guilty of six counts of rape, five counts of indecent assault, and three counts of aiding and abetting rape. These offences were perpetrated against three victims, all of whom were young teenagers aged between 13 and 15 at the time. The court heard evidence that the victims were particularly vulnerable and had been subjected to grooming by the brothers before the abuse occurred. Zafar's actions took place between 1999 and 2004, involving severe sexual exploitation and abuse.

The sentencing hearing revealed the disturbing nature of the crimes, with the brothers encouraging each other's actions in the sexual abuse of the girls. DCI Ian Thornes of West Yorkshire Police described the case as 'deeply distressing and highly disturbing', highlighting the 'dreadful sexual abuse of young females by three brothers'. He noted that the court had heard 'highly disturbing evidence of how poorly these young victims were treated' and praised the 'substantial sentences' as reflective of the gravity of the acts committed.

One of the victims came forward in 2017, prompting a thorough police investigation that led to the arrests and subsequent trial. The determination of the women involved was commended by DCI Thornes, who stated, 'I want to praise the courage of the women in this case whose determination to seek justice has ensured these men have been forced to account for their actions.' The enquiry continues to encourage other potential victims to report similar experiences, assuring sensitive and thorough investigations.

This case underscores the long-term impact of grooming and sexual exploitation on vulnerable children, with the brothers' convictions bringing some measure of justice after nearly two decades.