When justice finally catches up with predators, it brings a wave of relief mixed with the painful memories of what was endured. This week, the town of Rochdale once again made national headlines as Mohammed Zahid—known in the community as "Boss Man"—was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in orchestrating a grooming gang that preyed on vulnerable schoolgirls two decades ago.
The story is harrowing, layered with failures by authorities, and yet, at its heart, it also reveals the resilience of survivors who stepped forward despite unimaginable trauma.
The Ringleader: Mohammed Zahid, the So-Called “Boss Man”
Mohammed Zahid, now 65 years old, was no ordinary market trader. Behind the façade of his stall, where he lured children with gifts of free underwear, lay a far darker truth. Zahid saw young girls not as human beings, but as commodities—trading cigarettes, alcohol, and clothes for sex.
The court heard how he targeted girls as young as 13, showering them with attention before coercing them into sexual acts for himself and his associates. For years, he lived under the radar until his past finally caught up with him in a Manchester courtroom.
His nickname, Boss Man, was chillingly apt. He controlled access to the victims, coordinated abuse, and normalized the exploitation within his circle.
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| Nisar Hussain, Roheez Khan and Naheem Akram were also convicted |
The Survivors: Girl A and Girl B
In legal proceedings, the two main survivors were referred to only as Girl A and Girl B—a practice designed to protect their identities.
- Girl A described being passed around to “hundreds of men,” her phone number traded like a business card. She recalled nights in filthy flats, back alleys, and abandoned warehouses—locations that became settings for relentless abuse.
- Girl B, who grew up in a children’s home, said she was left unprotected despite raising concerns to both social workers and police. “It was in my file,” she told the jury. “I was prostituted from the age of 10, and they knew.”
The testimony was heartbreaking but also revealed systemic negligence. Authorities admitted they failed to act when signs of grooming were evident. Apologies have been issued in recent years, but for survivors, those apologies came decades too late.
How the Gang Operated
The men behind the Rochdale grooming network shared two things in common: predatory instincts and access to vulnerable girls.
Most worked either at the market or as taxi drivers, giving them direct contact with young people in the town. They used the same tactics over and over—small gifts, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and a false sense of belonging.
The abuse stretched from 2001 to 2006, taking place in rundown apartments, parked cars, and derelict industrial sites. The survivors were treated as property—forced to submit “whenever and wherever” the men demanded.
Sentences Handed Down
The court’s decision marked a historic moment in holding the perpetrators accountable. Alongside Zahid, six other men were convicted, each receiving lengthy prison terms:
- Mohammed Zahid (65) – 35 years for multiple counts of rape and child exploitation.
- Mushtaq Ahmed (67) – 27 years for rape and indecency with a child.
- Kasir Bashir (50) – 29 years, sentenced in absence after fleeing the UK.
- Mohammed Shahzad (44) – 26 years for repeated rape.
- Naheem Akram (49) – 26 years for repeated rape.
- Nisar Hussain (41) – 19 years for rape.
- Roheez Khan (39) – 12 years for rape.
Judge Jonathan Seely called the crimes “appalling,” stating the girls were “abused, degraded, and then discarded.” His words echoed what campaigners have said for years: the survivors were not just victims of men, but of a society that failed to shield them.
Police and Prosecutors Speak Out
Following sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock of Greater Manchester Police described the crimes as “depraved beyond measure.”
“These men preyed on vulnerability for their own sexual gain,” he said. “Their callous disregard for the girls then, and their lack of remorse now, shows the depth of their corruption.”
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) also praised the courage of the women who testified. Prosecutor Liz Fell noted:
“Both victims showed enormous strength and dignity throughout this challenging trial. Their willingness to confront their abusers ensured justice was served.”
A History of Failures
The Rochdale case cannot be told without acknowledging the failures of police and social services in the early 2000s. Despite numerous warnings and recorded interactions with the girls, authorities downplayed or ignored the signs of exploitation.
It was only after a string of similar cases across the UK came to light that systemic changes began, including better training for social workers and stricter policies on child protection. However, campaigners argue that the scars of institutional neglect remain.
Wider Impact: Lessons for the UK
This case forms part of a broader pattern seen in towns across England, from Rotherham to Telford. Grooming gangs exploit gaps in social care, poverty, and strained policing resources.
But the lessons are clear:
- Early Intervention Matters: Signs of grooming—such as children spending time with older men, sudden access to drugs or alcohol—must be taken seriously.
- Stronger Safeguarding: Local authorities must be proactive, not reactive, in protecting children.
- Justice for Survivors: Legal reforms should ensure survivors feel supported throughout lengthy trials.
A Survivor-Centered Future
The courage of Girl A and Girl B has already inspired change. Their testimonies forced not only a courtroom reckoning but also a national conversation about child protection.
As of 2025, charities and local councils continue to invest in survivor support programs, including therapy, housing, and education opportunities. These measures aim not just to heal wounds, but to prevent exploitation from repeating.
Closing Thoughts
The conviction of Zahid and his associates delivers a powerful message: justice, however delayed, will not be denied. Yet it also forces uncomfortable questions. Why were warnings ignored for so long? Could these girls have been spared years of abuse if authorities had acted sooner?
As Britain continues to grapple with the legacy of grooming scandals, the survivors’ voices remain the most important. They remind us that behind every statistic is a child who deserved safety, love, and dignity.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know has been affected by grooming or child exploitation, support is available:
- NSPCC Helpline (UK): 0808 800 5000
- Childline (UK): 0800 1111
- BBC Action Line: Visit BBC Action Line Support