Mahtab Islam

Mahtab Islam, 51, from Halifax, was found guilty of five counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and perverting the course of justice against one of two girls who were aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the abuse in Calderdale between 2006 and 2009. The investigation was launched in 2016 following reports of child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA).

The trial took place at Bradford Crown Court, where the jury heard evidence of the repeated sexual abuse inflicted on the vulnerable victims. Islam's actions were part of a broader pattern of exploitation uncovered in multiple investigations by West Yorkshire Police, leading to the conviction of 24 men in total for similar offences.

Initially sentenced to 16 years in prison, Islam's sentence was increased to 18 years following an appeal. Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith of Calderdale District Police commented on the courage of the victims, stating, 'I want to acknowledge the sheer courage of the victims and survivors in each of these investigations; not only for having the bravery to come forward initially but also for enduring the criminal justice system.'

This case highlights the long-term commitment of West Yorkshire Police to tackling non-recent child sexual abuse, with legal restrictions previously preventing the public disclosure of outcomes until proceedings concluded.