Hunt for rapists convicted of teenager's abuse

Two men found guilty of raping a teenage girl who was groomed, trafficked and exploited in Rotherham 20 years ago are on the run, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has said.

On Thursday, Mudasar Hussain, 37, his brother Ghazanfar Hussain, 42, and Kamir Khan, 37, were all found guilty of raping the girl following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Only Ghazanfar Hussain was present, however, with the whereabouts of the other two men unknown.

Philip Marshall, from the NCA, said: "Mudasar Hussain and Kamir Khan have attempted to avoid justice, but my officers are determined to find the men, to ensure both of them serve the sentences handed down to them in due course."

The men were prosecuted as part of Operation Stovewood, which has seen officers target grooming gangs in South Yorkshire who sexually abused and exploited children between 1997 and 2013.

Jurors heard how Mudasar Hussain and Khan plied a 14-year-old girl with alcohol and cannabis before raping her, with Ghazanfar Hussain also raping the teenager.

Mudasar Hussain was convicted of 12 counts rape, his brother was convicted of one count of rape, and Khan was convicted of two counts of rape and one count of trafficking for sexual exploitation.

Police are still looking for the two missing men who were convicted in their absence.

Marshall said: "Officers have been working with partners, pursuing numerous lines of inquiry in the UK and overseas, to locate Mudasar Hussain and Kamir Khan.

"I am now appealing for anyone with information that could help our inquiries, no matter how insignificant that information may appear, to report it.

"I would like to recognise the continued bravery of the victim, who has already endured so much and who continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

"Our focus remains on securing justice for the victim and ensuring Khan and Hussain are held fully accountable for their actions."

Melissa Garner, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "Mudasar Hussain and Kamir Khan separately groomed a young and vulnerable girl with alcohol, drugs and gifts.

"They raped her multiple times between 2008 and 2010 at various locations around Rotherham.

"Ghazanfar Hussain was quick to take advantage of the vulnerable victim when the opportunity presented itself.

"Their abuse has caused the victim serious and lifelong harm."

Ghazanfar Hussain was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday.

Mudasar Hussain and Khan are also due to be sentenced on Friday in their absence.

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