Mohammed Rizwan Iqbal

Mohammed Rizwan Iqbal, aged 39, was convicted alongside nineteen others for the rape and sexual abuse of four girls in Calderdale, West Yorkshire, resulting in 219 years of combined sentences. The abuse occurred between 2001 and 2010, targeting girls aged 12 to 16. Iqbal was part of the first investigation launched in 2016, focusing on offences from 2006 to 2009.

The second trial commenced in January 2022 at Bradford Crown Court, where Iqbal was found guilty of rape. Conviction details were shared after court restrictions were removed on Wednesday.

DCI Claire Smith commented: “The bravery to come forward initially but also for enduring the criminal justice system.” The investigations exposed prolonged exploitation.

Smith stressed: “Reports of non-recent abuse are handled by officers who are specially trained.” The case connects to national grooming concerns.