The latest child sexual exploitation trial in Rochdale has once again exposed the harrowing abuse suffered by vulnerable girls—and the deep-rooted failures that allowed it to happen.

Tahir Rashid, 54, stands accused of leading a group of men who groomed and raped two teenage girls between 2003 and 2006. He also faces allegations of raping a 12-year-old girl in the late 1980s. Rashid and his co-defendants (listed below) deny all charges.

·       Mohammed Saleem, 46, of Rochdale.

·       Sucklane Shah, 46, of no fixed abode.

·       Itfaq Hussain, 45, of Shawforth.

·       Arshad Mohammed, 55, of Rochdale.

·       Amjad Mahmood, 53, of Rochdale - was not in the dock.

The court heard that the abuse took place in parks, woods, moors, and even at Rochdale market and a local snooker hall. The men allegedly used alcohol, drugs, and false affection to control the girls, exploiting a clear imbalance of power. In one particularly disturbing detail, the jury was told that the girls were lied to about contraception, with the men claiming it was forbidden for Muslim men to use protection.

This case is yet another painful reminder of how child sexual exploitation continues to blight communities and how institutions have repeatedly failed to protect those most at risk.

At Switalskis, our Child Abuse Solicitors regularly represent survivors who were failed by the very systems meant to protect them. We see time and again how vulnerable children are dismissed, disbelieved, or left unsupported, even when clear warning signs are present. These failures not only allow abuse to continue but also compound the trauma survivors carry into adulthood.

We believe that every survivor deserves to be heard, believed, and supported, and that those responsible, including institutions, must be held accountable.

If you’ve been affected by abuse and need support, The Survivors Trust offers a free, confidential helpline for anyone aged 16 and over. You can call 0808 801 0818 or text 07860 022 956 .

For confidential legal advice, please contact Sally Smith on 01924 882000 , email sally.smith@switalskis.com or contact us through the website below.