Naheem Akram

Naheem Akram was among seven men found guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester of 53 sexual offences against two teenage girls in Rochdale from 2001 to 2006. The four-month trial encompassed 72 days of evidence, resulting in unanimous guilty verdicts on 13 June 2025 following three weeks of deliberations.

Naheem Akram, 48, from Manley Road, Rochdale, was convicted of seven offences, including rape and assault by penetration. The prosecution outlined how the group groomed the 13-year-old victims, forcing them into sex 'whenever and wherever' desired, in locations like dirty mattresses, car parks, and alleyways. Drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes were used to control them, and they were handed over to taxi drivers for additional sexual exploitation.

Central to the case were the victims' testimonies, with one, now in her 30s, describing being labelled a 'prostitute' by Rochdale social services at the allegations' start. Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock, overseeing the probe, emphasised the 'thousands of hours' of work and the victims' role: 'They have been pivotal... by bravely giving painful and difficult testimony.' He highlighted the men's 'depraved' exploitation and 'unforgivable actions' without remorse.

Greater Manchester Police's investigations have led to 32 offenders receiving 300 years in prison collectively. With 20 more men due in court in September 2025, this case underscores the persistent fight against such grooming and child sex offences.