Shabir Ahmed Released Despite High Risk Assessment
Shabir Ahmed, the 73-year-old leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, was released from HMP Leeds on Thursday, March 13, 2025, despite being assessed as posing a “very high risk of serious harm” to children in 2023. Ahmed had three failed parole attempts, the latest in October 2024, before his automatic release after serving two-thirds of his 22-year sentence for rape, sexual abuse, and trafficking of girls.
Victim Amber Speaks Out
One of Ahmed’s victims, identified as Amber, stated she felt “physically sick” and unable to sleep due to concerns about Ahmed and his associates. She was not notified of his release and learned about it through a friend’s message linking to a news article. Amber expressed fear for her safety, particularly from Ahmed’s contacts, and said she has had to alert her children’s school and avoid shopping in certain towns.
Parole Board Findings
Parole Board documents reveal that Ahmed was deemed a “high risk of sexual offending” in a 2023 review. In January 2022, a panel concluded he had not sufficiently reduced risk factors, including “sexual interests and his belief that it was acceptable to sexually abuse underage victims.” A second review in January 2023 stated that Ahmed would present a “very high risk of serious harm towards children” and that his risk was not manageable in the community due to his denial of crimes and lack of engagement with offender programs.
Legal Loophole Prevents Deportation
Ahmed was stripped of British citizenship after his 2012 conviction, and victims were initially told he would be deported to Pakistan. However, because he arrived in the UK before 1971 and lived there for over five years, the government cannot legally remove him. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham stated he will explore “all possible options” to close this loophole.
Government Response
A government spokesperson said Downing Street is “working with colleagues across government to explore all possible options to deport this vile criminal.” The Parole Board confirmed it had no role in Ahmed’s automatic release, as he was eligible after serving two-thirds of his sentence. Solicitor Kate Ellis of the Centre for Women’s Justice criticized the lack of victim notification, calling it “completely unacceptable.”
