Summing up starts in sex trial

A judge has begun summing up in the trial of 11 men from Oldham and Rochdale accused of being part of a child sexual exploitation ring.

Outlining the facts to the jury of three men and nine women at Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Gerald Clifton told them the age of the alleged victims was an important factor in the case.

He showed them video clips of two of the girls being interviewed by police with the sound muted and told them: “An individual can make a judgement on a person’s age based on many factors.

“They could be told the age by a third party, or make a judgement on appearance or life experience.

“But, in the end, the prosecution have to prove the defendants knew the girls were under 16 — not suspected it or believed it, but knew.”

It is alleged that five girls were shared by Kabeer Hassan, Abdul Aziz, Abdul Rauf, Mohammed Sajid, Adil Khan, Abdul Qayyum, Mohammed Amin, Qamar Shahzad, Liaquat Shah, Hamid Safi and a 59–year–old man who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The men all deny conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with children under the age of 16.

The judge will resume summing up today.



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