Four men have been jailed for a series of serious sexual offences committed against a vulnerable child in Dewsbury and Ossett during the 1990s, following a long‑running investigation triggered by the survivor’s own courageous disclosure to police.

The survivor reported that, as a young teenager, she had been sexually exploited by multiple adult men. Her account revealed a pattern familiar in historic child sexual abuse cases: a child gradually isolated from education, introduced to older males, supplied with alcohol, and subjected to escalating sexual harm. The abuse began when she was just 13 and continued until she was 17, between 1994 and 1999.

 The Offenders and Sentences

• Zahid Hussain, now 48, was the first to assault her. He forced her into sexual activity at a party and continued offending at multiple locations. He was convicted of six counts of indecent assault and sentenced to 10 years and 6 months.
• Mohammed Chhibda, 49, assaulted her in a parked vehicle. He received 11 years for two counts of indecent assault.
• Basharat Wali admitted two counts of sexual assault and was sentenced to 12 months.
• Jagtar Sahota, who met the survivor when she was working in one of his takeaway businesses at 16, used his position of authority to isolate and repeatedly abuse her. His offending included rape and sexual assaults by penetration, committed across commercial premises, residential addresses, and vehicles between 1997 and 2000. He was convicted of 23 counts and sentenced to 21 years.

The Survivor’s Statement

In her powerful statement to the court, the survivor described the profound and lasting impact of the abuse:

“I was so young, so vulnerable, and they knew exactly what they were doing… They took pieces of my soul, pieces of my body, pieces of me that I will never get back.”

She explained how the trauma continues to affect her daily life, with ordinary moments triggering overwhelming memories.

CPS Response

Julia McSorley, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, emphasised that the offenders deliberately targeted the victim because of her vulnerability. She praised the survivor’s exceptional bravery in giving evidence and ensuring the men were held accountable.

At Switalskis, we represent survivors of abuse across England and Wales, providing compassionate and specialist legal support to help them seek justice and begin rebuilding their lives. We understand that making the decision to speak to the police can feel incredibly daunting. Many survivors worry about being believed, reliving traumatic experiences or navigating a process that can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar.

If you've been affected by abuse and need support, The Suvivors Trust offers a free, confidential helpline. You can call 08088010818 or text 07860022956.

Getting advice and support

If you are affected by these issues and want confidential advice about your legal options, specialist abuse support is available.

For confidential legal advice, please contact Sally Smith  on 01924 970 009  or contact us through the website form below.