Mohammed Jabbar 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.

Mohammed Jabbar Qayum, aged 41 and from Dewsbury, was found guilty of two offences of rape committed against one victim. The victim was a vulnerable teenager aged between 13 and 15 at the time of the abuse, which occurred between 1999 and 2004. The offences involved grooming and sexual exploitation, aligning with the broader pattern of abuse by the brothers as revealed in the trial.

During the sentencing, the court examined the collective responsibility of the brothers in encouraging and participating in the sexual abuse. DCI Ian Thornes of West Yorkshire Police called the case 'deeply distressing and highly disturbing', noting the involvement of 'three brothers' in the 'dreadful sexual abuse of young females'. He stressed that the 'substantial sentences' appropriately address the 'gravity of the acts they committed', based on 'highly disturbing evidence' of the victims' mistreatment.

The case originated from a 2017 report by one of the victims, which triggered an in-depth investigation by West Yorkshire Police leading to the convictions. DCI Thornes expressed admiration for the victims, stating, '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 force remains committed to investigating similar reports with sensitivity and thoroughness.

The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting harm caused by grooming and child sex offences, affirming the value of victim testimonies in securing justice years later.