Rochdale Grooming Gang Leader Faces Deportation After Release from Prison

A man was released from prison earlier this month after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 child sex offences. Shabir Ahmed, 73, was the leader of a grooming gang that exploited young girls in Rochdale between 2007 and 2012.

Following his release, the UK government is seeking to deport Ahmed back to Pakistan. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced plans to change laws to facilitate his removal, as Ahmed has been stripped of his British citizenship and holds only Pakistani nationality.

Rochdale councillors have unanimously called for Ahmed's deportation, citing the need to close legal loopholes that currently prevent the removal of certain Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK over 50 years ago. At a recent town hall meeting, council leader Neil Emmott expressed support for the victims of the grooming gang, stating that media coverage of the case reopens old wounds for survivors. Councillors from various parties agreed on the necessity of deporting Ahmed, with Coun Shah Wazir describing him as an 'evil man' who should not remain in the country.

Pakistan has resisted the UK's attempts to repatriate Ahmed, with a foreign office spokesman claiming that the responsibility for his actions lies with the UK, where he was raised and groomed. The situation remains contentious as the UK government threatens visa restrictions on Pakistan if it does not accept Ahmed's return.