Rochdale grooming gang leader released from prison after 14 years

Shabir Ahmed, 73, was released from prison on Thursday after serving 14 years of a sentence handed down in 2012 for multiple rape and sexual offences against young girls. GB News reported that Ahmed, identified as the leader of a Rochdale grooming gang, had been considered too dangerous for release as recently as 2022.

A parole board at Wakefield Prison rejected his application that year after he assaulted another inmate.

Background on the 2022 parole decision The inmate had said terrorists should be eradicated, prompting Ahmed to punch him and stamp on his head, according to court records. Ahmed later received a concurrent 12-month sentence for causing actual bodily harm.

The parole panel noted that Ahmed had not completed accredited programmes to address his offending behaviour. His probation officer advised that release at that stage would not be safe.

Release conditions and deportation issue Ahmed was freed on licence and must live at a staffed bail hostel, wear a GPS tag, and stay out of parts of Rochdale. He is barred from returning to his former address in Oldham. A 1971 law prevents his removal to Pakistan because he arrived in the United Kingdom more than 50 years ago as a Commonwealth citizen.

Officials stated the Prime Minister has asked the Home Secretary to examine options for deportation. One victim, identified as Amber, said she learned of the release from media reports and fears for her children's safety. She stated she feels she has been let down again and that victim support remains absent.