Key Takeaways:
- Two men, Kessur Ajaib and Mohammed Makhmood, have been jailed for raping a teenage girl in Rotherham over two decades ago.
- Ajaib received an eight-and-a-half-year sentence, while Makhmood received a seven-year sentence.
- The convictions relate to the same victim, who was between 14 to 16 years old at the time of the abuse.
- The men were found guilty alongside another man, Sageer Hussain, who was convicted of raping a different victim.
- The cases are part of Operation Stovewood, an investigation into grooming and child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.
Introduction to the Case
The city of Rotherham has been plagued by a series of child sexual abuse cases, and recently, two men have been jailed for their role in one such case. Kessur Ajaib, 44, and Mohammed Makhmood, 43, were sentenced to eight-and-a-half years and seven years, respectively, for raping a teenage girl over two decades ago. The victim, who was between 14 to 16 years old at the time, was subjected to horrific abuse, including being called demeaning names, spat at, and laughed at by Makhmood after he raped her. The pair were sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court, where they were found guilty alongside another man, Sageer Hussain.
The Convictions and Sentences
The convictions of Ajaib and Makhmood are a significant milestone in the investigation into grooming and child sexual abuse in Rotherham. Ajaib was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of indecent assault, while Makhmood was convicted of one count of rape. The sentences handed down to the pair reflect the severity of their crimes and the harm they caused to their victim. Hussain, who was also found guilty, received a three-year jail sentence for raping a different victim, who was around 14 years old at the time. The fact that Hussain was also 14 at the time of the crime highlights the complexity of these cases and the need for a nuanced approach to justice.
The Impact on the Victim
The victim in this case has spoken out about the devastating impact of the abuse she suffered. In a statement read out in court, she described herself as a "brainwashed and vulnerable girl who was treated like a sex commodity." She spoke of the fear, embarrassment, shame, and heartache she suffered as a result of the abuse, and how she spent years in denial, blaming herself and her family. The judge referred to the victim’s statement as he gave his sentencing remarks, describing it as "tragic" and highlighting the fact that the pair had abused the vulnerability of this young girl. The victim’s courage in speaking out is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who have suffered at the hands of abusers.
Operation Stovewood
The cases of Ajaib, Makhmood, and Hussain are part of Operation Stovewood, a large-scale investigation into grooming and child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. The investigation, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), has been working to bring perpetrators to justice and provide support to victims. The NCA has been working tirelessly to investigate these complex cases, and the convictions of Ajaib, Makhmood, and Hussain are a significant step forward in this effort. The operation highlights the need for a coordinated approach to tackling child sexual abuse and the importance of supporting victims and survivors.
Conclusion and Reflection
The cases of Ajaib, Makhmood, and Hussain serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the need for justice and accountability. The sentences handed down to the pair reflect the severity of their crimes, and the fact that they were found guilty alongside another man highlights the complexity of these cases. The victim’s statement and the judge’s remarks highlight the need for a nuanced approach to justice and the importance of supporting victims and survivors. As the investigation into grooming and child sexual abuse in Rotherham continues, it is essential that we prioritize the needs of victims and work towards creating a society that is safe and just for all.
