Three more accused decline to give evidence in Rochdale sexual abuse trial

A second defendant is expected to give evidence next week

Three more men accused of sexual offences in the Rochdale abuse trial will not be giving evidence, jurors have heard.

The two alleged victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claim they were sexually abused in Rochdale between 2001 and 2006. The complainants, identified as Girl A and Girl B, both gave evidence in court during the trial.

Jurors have heard the seven men on trial were mainly either taxi drivers or market stall traders in the town. The girls were 'passed around' for sex before being 'discarded', it is alleged. The defendants deny all the allegations.

Jurors in the trial are expected to hear evidence from two of the seven accused. Mohammed Zahid’s lawyer previously confirmed he would not be giving evidence.

Kasir Bashir, another defendant, is not present in court and is being tried in his absence. Today, lawyers for Roheez Khan, Nisar Hussain and Mohammed Shahzad said their clients would not be entering the witness box to speak in their defence.

Naheem Akram is due to give evidence next week. It follows the evidence of Mushtaq Ahmed concluding today. (Apr 25)

Mr Zahid, 64; Mr Bashir, 50; Mr Ahmed, 66; Mr Khan, 39; Mr Shahzad, 43; Mr Hussain, 43; and Mr Akram, 48; are all standing trial at Minshull Street Crown Court and have pleaded not guilty.

Mr Ahmed’s barrister Trevor Parry-Jones told jurors they would not hear any more live evidence from his client, but there may be some further matters ‘to be tidied up’.

Julian Goode, for Mr Khan, Daniel Jones, for Mr Shahzad, and Gemma Maxwell, for Mr Hussain, all confirmed their clients would not be giving evidence in their defence. After being asked by trial judge Jonathan Seely, the trio confirmed that they had advised their clients about giving evidence.

They agreed that the ‘jury may draw such inferences as appear proper from his failure to do so’. Mr Akram’s lawyer, Ahmed Hossain KC, asked for his client to be allowed to give evidence on Monday.

Judge Seely agreed that there were ‘good and proper reasons’ for the case to be adjourned and for his evidence to begin next week. The judge told jurors, who have been listening to evidence in the trial since the end of January, that the case is ‘well on track’.

• Mohammed Zahid, 64, of Station Road, Crumpsall, Manchester, is charged with 10 counts of rape; four counts of indecency with a child; and six counts of procuring a girl under 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse
• Kasir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham, is charged with two counts of rape; and two counts of indecency with a child.
• Mushtaq Ahmed, 66, of Corona Avenue, Oldham, is charged with four counts of rape; four counts of indecency with a child; and a single count of procuring a girl under 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse
• Roheez Khan, 39, of Athole Street, Rochdale, is charged with a single count of rape
• Mohammed Shahzad, 43, of Beswicke Royds Street, Rochdale, is charged with eight counts of rape; indecency with a child; indecent assault; and assault by penetration
• Nisar Hussain, 43, of Newfield Close, Rochdale, is charged with four counts of rape; indecent assault; and assault by penetration
• Naheem Akram, 48, of Manley Road, Rochdale, is charged with 11 counts of rape; indecency with a child; indecent assault; and assault by penetration

Proceeding