13 found guilty in Bristol of child sex abuse

Thirteen men have been convicted of child sexual exploitation offences following an investigation in Bristol. 

The men were convicted of 42 offences following two trials at Bristol Crown Court.

The court proceedings can only be reported now because a legal ruling preventing any reporting of the case has been lifted. This was put in place to protect the victims as they gave evidence and to ensure the defendants received a fair trial.

Following the first trial held in the spring, six men were convicted of child sexual exploitation offences and 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 tomorrow.

Chief Superintendent Julian Moss, head of CID, said: “These are abhorrent crimes which we know will cause concern in the wider Bristol community.

“I’ve been humbled by the bravery shown by the victims in this case, who took the courageous step to disclose to police the horrendous offences committed against them, but who also found the strength to give evidence in court.

“Nobody should underestimate just how difficult this was for these young women, given the nature of the abuse they suffered.

“I’d like to say a heart-felt thank you to each of them, as their evidence has enabled their abusers to be brought to justice, as they deserve to be.

“This investigation began after one of our officers was called to a property in the Easton area of Bristol in spring 2013. He was faced with aggressive and evasive behaviour from people within the property, but he refused to be deterred and as a result of his professional curiosity he found one of the victims hiding in a cupboard.

“This resulted in a thorough and sensitive investigation carried out by a team of dedicated officers and staff, who’ve worked tirelessly to bring these offenders to justice and who acted swiftly to ensure victims were protected.   

“We’re continuing to work with all our partners to tackle robustly exploitation in all its forms. This investigation started 18 months ago. The agencies involved have been able to take advantage of many of the lessons that have emerged following serious child sexual exploitation cases across the country.

“A key priority for us in this investigation has been to work closely with the Somali community in Bristol, who have expressed shock that such a case could involve people from their community.

“Their co-operation has been invaluable and we want to continue building on the positive relationships we’ve developed over several years.

“We’re also committed to helping young people understand the nature of abuse and want to empower them with knowledge so they can distinguish between healthy and unhealthy relationships.

“As this and recent cases have shown, some hotels and guest houses have been used for child sexual exploitation offences.

“In partnership with Barnardo’s, we’ve been working with Premier Inn on guidelines aimed at helping its hotel team members understand child sexual exploitation and how to watch out for the warning signs. The guidelines are being rolled out through the hotel’s estate over the next few weeks.

“I would urge anyone who has any suspicions about children being exploited to please tell us. Every piece of information is important and we all have a role to play in tackling this horrendous crime.”

Children’s charity Barnardo’s was heavily involved with the police operation and its regional director Hugh Sherriffe praised the bravery of the victims.

“The bravery of the victims giving evidence in this case should be commended. The courage it takes to re-live your abuse in a courtroom environment cannot be underestimated.”

John Readman, strategic director for people at Bristol City Council, said none of the children affected had been in the care of the council, adding: “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of children and young people, and we have been humbled by the courage of these young women in reporting these crimes and giving evidence.  

“Whilst none of the victims were in the care of Bristol City Council, we have worked very closely with all agencies from the outset to ensure that comprehensive safeguarding and support plans have been in place.  We are continuing to support the ongoing investigation, with the safety of victims and potential victims placed at the absolute centre of our activity.”

Details of the men convicted of CSE offences

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.