Zeeshan Ali

Zeeshan Ali, 32, from Durham Terrace in Bradford, was convicted of one count of sexual assault as part of a group of nine men who abused two 14-year-old girls starting in 2008. The offences, which included rape and inciting child prostitution, involved grooming the victims with drink, drugs, and violence while they lived in a children's home.

The Bradford Crown Court trial, spanning over six weeks, featured testimony from prosecutor Karma Melly QC on how the defendants exploited the girls' situation through force and manipulation. The case was initiated in 2014 following a report by victim Fiona Goddard, prompted by BBC coverage of similar exploitation in Rotherham.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC sentenced Ali to 18 months in prison, part of sentences ranging from 20 years to 18 months for the group. He stated: 'No major city in England and Wales seems to have been spared this problem of grooming by older men acting together or alone.' Goddard, waiving her anonymity, told the court and media about reclaiming her life from the abusers' influence.

Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor, criticised resource shortages that failed to safeguard the victims, predicting continued challenges without improvements.