Another non-British Rotherham Paedophile sex offender, Shahid Hussain, apprehended by the National Crime Agency and foreign law enforcement after five years of evading capture, has been sentenced to eight years for the indecent assault of a British child in 2003.
Shahid Hussain, 48 [14.08.75], a Pakistani national residing in Tinsley, Rotherham, was informed at Sheffield Crown Court today [24 September] that he will face deportation upon the completion of his sentence.
Officers from Operation Stovewood, the NCA’s inquiry into historical sexual abuse accusations in Rotherham, charged Shahid Hussain in July 2018 following an investigation into a claim that he attacked a child.
The victim told investigators how Shahid Hussain began spending time with her, a friend and a second man known to her friend at a local shopping centre when she was 14.
Shahid Hussain, who the victim knew by the name “Shammy”, groomed her by giving her gifts, alcohol and lifts in his car.
One evening, Shahid Hussain drove the girl, her friend and the man to a street in Rotherham. Shahid Hussain asked the victim to talk with him outside the car, and they walked away.
Shahid Hussain led the girl through a gate into a dark area, where he made sexual demands of her. She refused his requests, and Hussain pushed her to the ground and indecently assaulted her.
Shahid Hussain was arrested when Operation Stovewood officers investigated the allegation some years later.
He was charged and bailed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates Court on 2 August 2018 but absconded before he could appear.
NCA officers identified that Hussain may have left the country and obtained a European Arrest Warrant.
After five years on the run, Hussain was caught by Bulgarian police officers on 26 November 2023 as he tried to enter the country from Turkey at the Kapitan Andreevo border post.
Shahid Hussain was deported back to the UK and remanded in custody ahead of his trial.
A jury at Sheffield Crown Court on 30 July 2024 found him guilty of one count of indecent assault.
NCA Senior Investigating Officer, Stuart Cobb, said:
“I’m pleased that Shahid Hussain has finally faced justice for his crime 21 years ago.
“This case demonstrates how the National Crime Agency will always strive to gain justice for victims of child abuse.
“I commend the victim for her courage, strength and perseverance throughout the prosecution, which was made more protracted by Shahid Hussain when he absconded for five years.”
It’s never too late to report child sexual abuse. Adults who suffered sexual abuse as a child can report it to police by calling 101 or in person at a police station. Reports are handled by officers specially trained in supporting victims and dealing with such sensitive cases.
Martin McRobb, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, said:
“Shahid Hussain targeted a child and subjected her to a horrendous sexual assault. He then sought to evade the law by leaving the country.
“I hope his conviction and sentence sends a clear message: sex offenders who flee abroad will not escape justice. We will continue to work collaboratively with international partners to ensure perpetrators are returned to face the full force of the law.
“Child sexual abuse causes serious and traumatic consequences. I want to commend the victim in this case for her courage to come forward to tell the court about what happened to her. Because of her evidence, we were able to build a strong case.”
The NCA’s Operation Stovewood remains the single most extensive investigation of its kind, looking at allegations of abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. NCA officers have identified more than 1,100 victims, and to date, 37 people – including Hussain – have been convicted. More than 50 active investigations remain ongoing.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.