Three brothers have been sentenced for a series of serious sexual offences committed against young girls in Sheffield between 2004 and 2007, following a complex investigation under the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood.

Amar Ilyas, 41, along with his younger brothers Kamran Ilyas, 38, and Kamar Ilyas, 39, were found guilty of offences involving girls as young as 12. Their convictions come nearly two decades after the abuse took place, demonstrating once again that time does not diminish the seriousness of child sexual exploitation.

According to evidence heard at Sheffield Crown Court, all three brothers were involved in the sexual abuse of a girl aged 12 to 14 between 2004 and 2006. At the time, the men were around 17 and 18 years old.

Amar Ilyas’s offending extended beyond this. He raped and sexually assaulted four additional girls aged 13 to 18, using intimidation and a reputation for violence - reinforced by the nickname “Killer” - to silence and control his victims.

Sentences

• Amar Ilyas was convicted of 20 offences against five victims. Having fled to Pakistan before trial, he was sentenced in his absence to 27 years’ imprisonment.
• Kamar Ilyas received 10 years for his role in the abuse.
• Kamran Ilyas was sentenced to three years for sexual offences against one of the girls.

A warrant has been issued for Amar Ilyas’s arrest, and the NCA continues efforts to locate him.

Judge Peter Hampton described Amar Ilyas as a “determined and predatory sexual offender” and urged law enforcement to continue trying to locate him.

Alan Hastings, Senior Investigating Officer for the NCA, highlighted the survivors’ resilience:

“Their bravery, strength and determination to survive shone through.”

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