Saeed Akhtar

Saeed Akhtar, 55, from Back Girlington Road in Bradford, was one of the brothers who separately met the two 14-year-old victims around 2008. Much of the abuse involving Akhtar occurred at his former address on Saffron Drive, where he exploited the girls sexually. Prosecutor Karma Melly QC told Bradford Crown Court that Fiona Goddard was 'used for sex by the men that came to the property' and was instructed by Akhtar to meet drug dealers to obtain drugs without payment, effectively using her as a prostitute.

The gang, including Akhtar, employed alcohol, drugs, threats, and manipulation to facilitate the sexual exploitation of the girls living in the children's home. The case emerged in 2014 following Fiona Goddard's report inspired by coverage of the Rotherham grooming scandal. After a trial lasting over six weeks, Akhtar was convicted of two counts of inciting child prostitution and one count of rape.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC sentenced Akhtar to 20 years imprisonment, criticising the defendants for their disregard of decent behaviour. Victim Fiona Goddard, who waived her anonymity, stated in court: 'I can't change what's happened, but I can rebuild my life.' She emphasised to other potential victims that there is nothing to be ashamed of and that support is available if they come forward.

The broader context highlighted by Nazir Afzal, former Chief Crown Prosecutor, pointed to systemic failures in safeguarding vulnerable young girls, with inadequate resources for police, prosecutors, and community groups contributing to such ongoing issues in major UK cities.