Thirteen Somali Men Jailed In Child Sex Ring

Thirteen Somali men were jailed for more than 70 years at Bristol Crown Court.

Reporting restrictions were lifted today at the end of two trials.

Yet again vulnerable children were let down by Social Services staffed by civil servants who simply didn’t care.

The men were convicted of 42 offences.

Following the first trial held in the spring, six men were convicted of child sexual exploitation offences and they were sentenced to a combined total of more than 70 years’ imprisonment.

The second trial began in October and lasted more than 10 weeks. Following this, seven men were convicted of child sexual exploitation offences. They are due to be sentenced on Friday (28/11).

Howard Phillips, Senior Crown Prosecutor  said: “

These cases have unmasked the horrors of child sexual exploitation and child abusers everywhere should take note of these convictions.  Vulnerable young people were used by these men for their own gratification, convinced that what was happening to them was normal, and controlled through systematic abuse and the promise of drugs and affection.

The victims in this case have been incredibly brave in coming forward and giving evidence at court.  I hope these results will stand as a testament to their bravery and give other victims the courage to come forward to the police secure in the knowledge they will be listened to. Every victim has a voice and deserves to have that voice heard.

Child sexual exploitation has a devastating impact, not only on the victims and their families but the communities in which both the victims and defendants live.

Sharon Copsey, NSPCC  said:

It has become abundantly clear in recent times that child sexual exploitation is a widespread and growing problem which threatens communities across the UK. It is not an isolated phenomenon that affects just a few areas.

This is why it’s important that anyone who suspects a child is being sexually abused should contact the police, social services or call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Trial 1

• Arafat Osman, AKA Left Eye, aged 20, has been found guilty of two counts of payment for sexual services of a child. He admitted two counts of being concerned in supplying a class A drug (cocaine and heroin). He was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

• Idleh Osman, AKA Sniper, aged 21, has been found guilty of one count of arranging/facilitating payment for sexual services of a child. He admitted two counts of being concerned in supplying a class A drug (cocaine and heroin). He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

• Mustafa Farah, AKA Greens, aged 20, has been found guilty of two counts of payment for sexual services of a child. He admitted two counts of being concerned in supplying class A drugs (cocaine and heroin). He was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

• Liban Abdi, AKA Leftback, aged 21, has been found guilty of two counts of payment for sexual services of a child. He admitted two counts of being concerned in supplying class A drugs (cocaine and heroin). He was sentenced to 13 years and eight months imprisonment.

• Abdulahi Aden, AKA Trigger, aged 20, has been found guilty of one count of rape. He admitted two counts of being concerned in supplying a class A drug (cocaine and heroin) and two counts of possession of indecent photographs of a child. He was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment.

• Mustafa Deria, aged 22, has been found guilty of one count of rape. He was sentenced to seven years and six months imprisonment.

Trial 2

• Mohamed Jumale, AKA Dec, aged 24, has been found guilty of one count of rape, seven counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of aiding/abetting/procuring sexual activity with a child.

• Mohamed Dahir, AKA Kamal, aged 22, has been found guilty of one count of causing/inciting child prostitution.

• Said Zakaria, AKA Target, aged 22, has been found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of trafficking within the UK.

• Jusef Abdirizak, AKA Starns, aged 20, has been found guilty of one count of rape.

• Omar Jumale, aged 20, has been found guilty of one count of sexual activity with a child.

• Abdirashid Abdulahi, AKA Abs, aged 21, has been found guilty of one count of rape.

• Sakariya Sheikh, AKA Zac, aged 21, has been found guilty of one count of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child.