JUL 2024
Rotherham man extradited from Bulgaria
A man who sexually abused a teenage girl in Rotherham and then fled the UK has finally been convicted.
Shahid Hussain, 48, was extradited from Bulgaria before being found guilty today at Sheffield Crown Court of one count of indecent assault. The National Crime Agency says the offence relates to 2003, when Hussain’s victim was just 14.
He drove the girl down a road and parked up before telling her to get out of the car. He then led her away and asked her to engage in sexual acts. When the girl said ‘no’ Hussain forced her.
Martin McRobb, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Shahid Hussain targeted a child and subjected her to a horrendous sexual assault. He then sought to evade the law by leaving the country. I hope this conviction sends a clear message: sex offenders who flee abroad will not escape justice.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with international partners to ensure perpetrators are returned to face the full force of the law. Child sexual abuse causes serious and traumatic consequences. I would like to commend the victim in this case for her courage to come forward to tell the court about what happened to her. It is because of her evidence that we were able to build a strong case.”
Stuart Cobb, National Crime Agency Senior Investigating Officer said: “Hussain carried out a vile attack on a vulnerable young girl and when he knew he was going to be held to account, he took the coward’s route by going on the run. We have always been determined to put Hussain before the courts. Finally, 21 years after carrying out his crime, he has faced justice.
“The effects of child sexual abuse are deep and long-lasting but I hope that Hussain’s conviction provides the victim with a degree of closure.” Hussain will be sentenced on August 16.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/rotherham-man-lying-low-bulgaria-29643145
A man who fled the UK after being charged with indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl more than two decades ago has been jailed.
Shahid Hussain left the country in 2018 but was arrested in Bulgaria in 2023 and extradited back to the UK.
The 49-year-old Pakistani national stood trial at Sheffield Crown Court in July where a jury found him guilty of forcing a child to perform a sex act in Rotherham in 2003.
Hussain, of Ferrars Road in Sheffield, was jailed for eight years on Tuesday and given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
During Tuesday’s hearing, he was told he would also face deportation when he had served his sentence and would be placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), the victim told investigators Hussain began spending time with her, a friend and a second man known to her friend at a local shopping centre when she was 14.
Hussain, who the victim knew by the name of “Shammy”, had groomed her by giving her gifts, alcohol and lifts in his car before he forced her to perform a sex act.
Hussain was charged with the attack in July 2018 as part of the NCA’s Operation Stovewood.
Despite the charge, Hussain left the country in a bid to evade justice.
He was caught by Bulgarian police officers on 26 November 2023 as he tried to enter the country from Turkey, at the Kapitan Andreevo border post, and extradited back to the UK.
Martin McRobb, specialist prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Shahid Hussain targeted a child and subjected her to a horrendous sexual assault.
“I hope his conviction and sentence sends a clear message: sex offenders who flee abroad will not escape justice.”
NCA senior investigating officer Stuart Cobb said: “I’m pleased that Hussain has finally faced justice for the crime he committed 21 years ago.
“I commend the victim for her courage, strength and perseverance throughout the prosecution, which was made more protracted by Hussain when he absconded for five years.”