Abid Mohammed Saddique

In a significant case of sexual exploitation uncovered by Derbyshire Police's Operation Retriever, Abid Mohammed Saddique, aged 27 from Derby, was convicted of leading a gang that targeted vulnerable young girls for sexual abuse. The investigation, which spanned multiple trials starting in February 2010, revealed a pattern of grooming where the group befriended schoolgirls, often estranged from their families, using alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and enticing rides in flashy cars to lure them into abusive situations.

Saddique was found guilty on four counts of rape, two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of sexual assault, three charges of sexual activity with a child, perverting the course of justice, and aiding and abetting rape. The prosecution, led by Yvonne Coen QC at Nottingham Crown Court, described how the gang preyed on girls due to their age and personal circumstances, exploiting them for sexual gratification or to share with friends. One victim, aged 16 at the time, recounted in court being raped in June 2008 after being taken to an isolated spot following a meeting arranged via calls and texts. She testified, 'It felt like it lasted for hours but it didn't... While I was lying there, he said "Do you like it, do you like it?" And I said yes,' explaining she complied to end the assault quicker.

The case involved 26 victims, the youngest being 12 years old, and echoed similar exploitation patterns seen in Rotherham. Saddique and his associates organised 'parties' where the girls were coerced into sexual acts with multiple individuals. Both Saddique and key associate Mohammed Romaan Liaqat pleaded guilty to causing a person under 18 to be involved in pornography. Sentencing for Saddique was scheduled for 7 January 2011, following the convictions announced on 25 November 2010. This operation highlighted the relentless pursuit by the offenders, who ignored the girls' naivety and impressionability, as Coen noted: 'The reason for the main defendants' relentless pursuit of the girls in this way was quite simple. They wanted sex, whether the girls wanted sex or not.'

• Convictions: 4x rape, 2x false imprisonment, 2x sexual assault, 3x sexual activity with a child, perverting the course of justice, aiding and abetting rape.
• Additional plea: Causing a person under 18 to be involved in pornography.
• Context: Part of a gang of nine men convicted in total, with trials split across Nottingham Crown Court and Leicester Crown Court.