Abdulhamid Minoyee

Abdulhamid Minoyee, a 34-year-old resident of Gainsborough Grove in Newcastle, received a 15-year custodial sentence at Newcastle Crown Court as part of the Operation Sanctuary investigation into a child sexual exploitation ring. This Northumbria Police operation dismantled a grooming network that targeted vulnerable girls in the West End of Newcastle, resulting in the conviction of 18 individuals for offences including rape, sexual assault, and trafficking.

Minoyee was convicted of raping a woman with learning difficulties, sexual assault, and supplying drugs. The court heard harrowing details of how he provided the victim with cannabis, intoxicating her before subjecting her to rape in a flat. This assault was facilitated by Carolann Gallon, who had trafficked the girl to the location knowing abuse would occur. The broader gang's modus operandi involved luring underage girls—some as young as 13 and others in care—to 'sessions' at local addresses, where they were given alcohol and drugs to lower inhibitions and ensure compliance with sexual demands.

Victims' impact statements presented during sentencing detailed the severe psychological trauma inflicted, with many developing addictions and suffering long-term mental health issues. The operations disrupted communities, with nearby residents describing the ordeal as 'hell' due to the constant presence of the gang and the associated risks to young people.

Detective Superintendent Steve Barron of Northumbria Police commended the victims' courage in coming forward, stating: 'I have spoken to some of these victims and they are lovely people. They have had a tough life and to then go through courts is so difficult for them. It has just been brilliant to see how their bravery is now showing justice.' By September 2017, 16 men and one woman from the gang had been imprisoned, with Minoyee's severe sentence reflecting the gravity of his 'vile crimes,' as described in related coverage of the case.

The convictions under Operation Sanctuary marked a significant effort to combat child sexual exploitation in the North East, highlighting the role of drug supply in enabling assaults and the need for vigilance against such predatory networks.