Operation Stovewood: Aftab Hussain found guilty of third offence
By Sally Smith
A man who has already been convicted of serious historical sexual offences against multiple teenagers pleaded guilty last week to raping and sexually assaulting another girl in 2004-5.
Aftab Hussain, now aged 45, was given an eight-year sentence in addition to the 24 years that he received in 2019 for similar offences in Rotherham.
Hussain appeared at Sheffield Crown Court, where he admitted raping a 15-year old child in Rotherham two decades ago. The details of the offence are disturbing: Hussain came across the girl, alone in a park, and when he tried to coerce her to go with him and this failed, he physically grabbed her and took her to a canal where he raped her.
This conviction follows a series of successful prosecutions by the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) investigation, Operation Stovewood - the NCA’s investigation into historic allegations of sexual abuse in Rotherham.
The woman has been commended for her courage in coming forward and the National Crime Agency has urged any other survivors of sexual abuse in the town to come forward. The National Crime Agency has identified 1,100 potential victims, and to date 37 people have been convicted.
NCA lead investigating officer, Mitch Leach, said: “The NCA has ensured that the women Hussain raped and assaulted when they were children have had their stories of horrific abuse heard in court.
“Hussain’s victims have shown enormous courage by recounting what he did to them, and now another woman who bravely spoke out after years suffering in silence has finally seen her abuser face justice.
“I urge anyone who was abused as a child to please report it to the police. Specially trained officers are ready and waiting to help.”
Survivors might also have a civil claim against individuals, the police, or social services. If you would like a confidential chat about your options please contact sally.smith@switalskis.com or call her on 01924 882000.
Find out how Switalskis can help you
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 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com.
Sally has 23 years experience in the legal sector. She qualified as a solicitor in 2002.
