Abdul Sabe

Abdul Sabe, 40, from Dean House, played a significant role in the grooming and sexual exploitation network exposed by Operation Sanctuary, a Northumbria Police investigation into the abuse of vulnerable young women in Newcastle. Despite being on the sex offenders register at the time, Sabe continued his involvement in the ring, which combined drug supply with forcing victims into prostitution and sexual acts. His conviction came amid a series of trials that revealed the gang's methodical targeting of at-risk girls.

Sabe was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court by Judge Penny Moreland for offences including sexual exploitation, inciting prostitution, and drugs-related crimes. The court proceedings detailed how the gang, including Sabe, exploited vulnerabilities through substance abuse and coercion. This sentencing was part of the second day of hearings for the group, building on convictions from August 2017 where 17 men and one woman were found guilty, with eight convicted of conspiracy to incite prostitution.

• Operation Sanctuary highlighted the gang's operations, with Sabe's prior registration on the sex offenders list underscoring his recidivism.
• The broader context included victim testimonies of lasting psychological harm, such as night terrors and severe depression, though specific quotes were tied to other perpetrators.

The investigation, spanning two years, involved complex tactics like paying informants over £10,000, including to a convicted child rapist, to gather evidence against the network. Judge Moreland noted the absence of racial motivation, attributing the crimes to the victims' youth and susceptibility. Sentencing for the remaining gang members continued through the week, marking a significant crackdown on child sexual exploitation in the region.