Mohibur Rahman

Mohibur Rahman, 44, of Northcote Street, was convicted and sentenced as part of the Operation Sanctuary probe by Northumbria Police, which dismantled a grooming gang sexually abusing vulnerable girls in Newcastle. Rahman's offences encompassed sexual assault, exploitation, inciting prostitution, and drug supply, contributing to the network's coercive control over victims. The case exposed a pattern of abuse targeting young, susceptible individuals through manipulation and substances.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Penny Moreland imposed a sentence of four and a half years on Rahman for his direct involvement in the crimes. This followed extensive trials concluding in August 2017, where 17 men and one woman were convicted, including eight for conspiracy to incite prostitution. Rahman's role involved hands-on perpetration of sexual assault and exploitation, aligning with the gang's broader strategy of forced sexual activity.

• The court heard evidence of the gang's systematic approach, with Rahman among those facilitating abuse via drugs and intimidation.
• Victim impacts included severe mental health issues, as illustrated by statements from survivors describing paranoia, depression, and suicidal ideation.

The sentencing phase, ongoing through September 2017, saw six gang members already imprisoned prior to Rahman's hearing. Operation Sanctuary's revelations included controversial informant payments exceeding £10,000 to a child rapist, aiding the evidence collection. The judge reiterated that the crimes were not racially motivated, focusing instead on the perpetrators' selection of vulnerable youth. This case formed part of a larger effort to address child sex offences in the North East of England.