Five members of a sadistic paedophile ring found guilty of grooming vulnerable underage girls were given life sentences for their “depraved” crimes.
Brothers Akhtar Dogar, 32, and Anjum Dogar, 31, and Mohammed Karrar, 38, and Bassam Karrar, 34, were handed the life terms alongside Kamar Jamil, 27.
The five were sentenced for a catalogue of offences along with two other gang members by Judge Peter Rook, who spoke of how “police and social services missed telltale signs” about the abuse that was taking place.
The judge outlined how the men groomed the girls, four of whom faced theirattackers in the packed courtroom.
“You would build up their trust and provide them with drink, drugs and the attention which they craved,” he said.
“From a misguided loyalty to you, they were reluctant to tell the authorities what was happening to them.
“The jury have found that they came to this court to tell the truth. It is to be hoped that their courage in coming forward to give evidence has not only exposed your activity but will send a message to and act as a deterrent to others who are tempted to act in this way.
“It is hoped that lessons will be learnt and the authorities now don’t hesitate to take action.”
The two other defendants, Zeeshan Ahmed, 28, and Assad Hussain, 32, were both jailed for seven years after being found guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a child.