The release of Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed has sparked fears for women and girls, with whistleblower Sara Rowbotham describing the situation as 'really scary' due to failings in a 'weak' probation service. Rowbotham, a former council worker whose team gathered evidence leading to Ahmed's imprisonment, said she was 'terrified' at the prospect of meeting him on the street.
Ahmed's Release and Deportation Controversy
Ahmed, 73, known to his victims as 'Daddy', was released from prison on Thursday after serving 14 years since his 2012 conviction for multiple rape and sexual offences against young girls. He was originally sentenced to 19 years. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has asked Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to consider options for ensuring Ahmed's deportation, calling his case 'particularly heinous'. However, the government admitted that provisions of the Immigration Act 1971 prevent his deportation to Pakistan, even though his British citizenship has been revoked.
Whistleblower's Fears
Rowbotham, portrayed by Maxine Peake in the BBC drama 'Three Girls', expressed concern about monitoring. 'This man organised some very nasty abuse of young girls. He was able to coerce, manipulate and organise a highly manipulative group of men,' she said. 'The de-investment in probation services means that any monitoring of him and his behaviour is likely to be really weak.' She also worried about potential revenge.
Victim's Reaction
One victim, named only as Amber, said she was 'absolutely furious' to learn of Ahmed's release through the media. 'For the past three nights I haven't been able to sleep. I've been physically sick over this,' she said. 'He has contacts in Rochdale. They operated as a gang, so even if he stays out of Rochdale, he could still get other men to do what he wants.'
Political Response
Bev Craig, Labour candidate for Greater Manchester mayor, said colleagues were 'collectively chilled' by the release. She has written to Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper urging deportation of four gang members. The Home Office said Ahmed would be subject to stringent licence conditions, including supervised accommodation and an exclusion zone around Rochdale. Labour minister Jacqui Smith suggested Pakistan had refused to accept Ahmed, saying 'work needs to happen' to persuade the country. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would attempt to close the legal loophole to enable deportation.
