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Grooming-Gang Leader Released After 14 Years, Politicians Demand Deportation.

7/4/2026

43 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Shabir Ahmed, Rochdale grooming-gang leader, was released from HMP Leeds on 2 July 2026 after 14 years.
Parole-board reviews in 2022-2024 labelled him a high risk of sexual offending and found no reduction in key risk factors.
Victims learned of his release from the media, not authorities, and received no assistance.
Labour candidate Bev Craig and MP Andy Burnham urged the Home Secretary to find ways to deport him despite a loophole.

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Story summary

Shabir Ahmed, Rochdale grooming-gang leader, was released from HMP Leeds on 2 July 2026 after 14 years.
Parole-board reviews in 2022-2024 labelled him a high risk of sexual offending and found no reduction in key risk factors.
Victims learned of his release from the media, not authorities, and received no assistance.
Labour candidate Bev Craig and MP Andy Burnham urged the Home Secretary to find ways to deport him despite a loophole.