Survivors of the Rochdale grooming gangs have once again been left feeling unheard and unprotected, after learning through social media that ringleader Shabir Ahmed is due to be released from prison within days. For many, this news has reopened long‑standing trauma - not because justice has been undone, but because communication from authorities has fallen far short of what survivors deserve.

Ahmed, now 73, cannot be deported due to provisions in the Immigration Act 1971, a law that prevents removal of individuals who arrived in the UK before 1973 who have lived here for at least five years. Despite having his British citizenship stripped following his conviction for multiple child sexual offences, including rape, the law means he must be released back into the UK under strict licence conditions.

Survivors left in the dark

Labour MP Jim McMahon highlighted that some survivors - particularly those whose cases never reached court - were not contacted by any agency before the news broke online. Many did not know whether Ahmed would be allowed to return to their home communities, leaving them frightened and uncertain.

McMahon described Ahmed as a “very dangerous individual” and confirmed that exclusion zones will prevent him from returning to Oldham or Rochdale. But he also acknowledged the distress caused:

“Victims and survivors deserve better than finding out on social media that this person is being released.”

A system that must do better

The Home Office has confirmed Ahmed will be subject to strict licence conditions, including exclusion zones, electronic monitoring, curfews, and registration requirements. But for survivors, these measures do not erase the fear of seeing an abuser unexpectedly, nor do they undo the harm caused by poor communication.

McMahon has called for changes to sentencing law so that child rapists cannot benefit from early‑release schemes. He also stressed that protections in the 1971 Act were intended for “decent, law‑abiding citizens” - not individuals convicted of serious sexual offences.

Speaking to Channel 5 , Amy Clowrey, child abuse director and solicitor said: "They just feel let down and to find out this today about a significant perpetrator - who has been convicted of over 30 offences against really vulnerable children - is to be released back into the community has left them scared for their wellbeing."

Putting survivors first – David Greenwood:

"This case highlights a recurring issue: survivors of child sexual abuse are too often treated as an afterthought. Their safety, their wellbeing, and their right to clear, timely information must be prioritised.

"Child rape by these gangs affects not only the girls permanently but can tear families apart.

"Whilst CSE abusers tend to get long prison sentences, they are eventually released and only the women involved in the trials are notified by probation or police of imminent release.

"There perpetrators tend to abuse dozens of girls and not all have charges brought to court on their behalf so most don’t get notified, hence one woman heard about Shabir Ahmed’s imminent release on social media.

"Licence conditions are not routinely or strictly monitored so there’s no guarantee a victim won’t bump into a former abuser in the supermarket. A number of my clients have reported such incidents, which must be extremely unnerving.

"Overall, the status of victims is low and needs to be prioritised over perpetrators. As Maggie Oliver says: “Victims are an afterthought”.

"Victims’ rights need to take precedence over those of perpetrators.

"Switalskis constantly lobby government to improve victims’ rights."

How Switalskis can help

Every survivor of abuse deserves justice. That means holding perpetrators fully accountable, and it also means ensuring survivors are supported to reclaim their voice, rebuild their sense of control, and pursue the compensation they are entitled to for the harm they have suffered.

At Switalskis, our specialist abuse lawyers have decades of experience in representing survivors of child sexual exploitation. We understand that such cases are very emotional for clients and often legally complex, therefore we are dedicated to providing a supportive and professional environment in which our clients can feel confident in our services. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

If you have been impacted and would like to discuss your experience in confidence, our specialist abuse team  can help. Call 0808 258 8041  or email help@switalskis.com