THE jury has begun considering its verdicts in the trial of ten men accused of offences involving the grooming, rape and sexual exploitation of two teenage girls in Bradford.
The case, that began at Bradford Crown Court on January 8, involves a total of 25 charges against the defendants.
The jury retired late this afternoon to begin its deliberations after the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC, finished summing up the evidence.
During the trial, the jury heard from two young women who allege they were sexually abused while in the care of the local authority.
Basharat Khaliq, 38, of Bradford, denies five counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration.
Saeed Akhtar, 55, of Bradford, denies two counts of causing or inciting child prostitution and one of rape.
Yasar Majid, 37, of Milton Keynes, denies one count of rape.
Naveed Akhtar, 43, of Bradford, denies three counts of rape.
Parvaze Ahmed, 36, of Bradford, denies three counts of rape.
Izar Hussain, 32, of Bradford, denies three counts of rape and one of attempted rape.
Zeeshan Ali, 32, of Bradford, denies a charge of sexual assault.
Kieran Harris, 28, of Dewsbury, denies two counts of rape. Fahim Iqbal, 27, of no fixed abode, denies a charge of aiding and abetting rape and Mohammed Usman, 31, of Bradford, denies two charges of rape.
The trial continues.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article