Release of Shabir Ahmed, Rochdale Grooming Gang Leader, Raises Legal and Safety Concerns

Shabir Ahmed, 73, was released from HMP Leeds on Thursday after serving 14 years of a 22-year sentence for 30 rape convictions; the release follows the rule that prisoners become eligible after serving two-thirds of their term. Licence conditions bar him from Rochdale and mandate 24-hour supervision.

The Guardian

Ahmed was convicted in 2012 and stripped of citizenship, but the Immigration Act 1971 blocks his removal because he arrived before 1971 and lived in the UK for five years. Parole Board reviews repeatedly rated him a high risk to children and sexual offending, noting his refusal to engage with treatment.

The Guardian

The Parole Board said it examined a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime and evidence of behaviour change. Home Office called the crimes “appalling” and confirmed an exclusion zone with supervised housing. Downing Street said officials are “working across government to explore options to deport this vile criminal.”

The Guardian

Amber said she learned of Ahmed’s release from a news story, not from police, and described feeling sick. Rowbotham warned that weakened probation services could leave monitoring “really weak.” Kate Ellis called victim notification “completely unacceptable.” Bev Craig said colleagues were “appalled and horrified.”

The Guardian

Sources differ on Parole Board involvement; one says the Board had no role, another notes it refused release in 2024. Police claim they attempted victim notification, but victims say they received none. Legal basis for deportation remains unresolved, with conflicting statements about Pakistan’s willingness to accept Ahmed.

The Guardian

• “I think it said something like ‘predator to be released’, and I was like what the hell, where the hell did this come from?” — Amber, victim

The Guardian

• “I’m not scared so much of him, I’m scared of his contacts that he’s got.” — Amber, victim

The Guardian

• “ The Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, said her party would attempt to amend the immigration and asylum bill “to close the loophole so that this man can be deported immediately”.” — Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader

The Guardian

• “The panel carefully examined a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as exploring the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims.” — Parole Board spokesperson

The Guardian

Ahmed will serve a licence period with geographic restrictions and 24-hour supervised accommodation. The Home Office and Foreign Office will continue to assess deportation routes and consider legislative changes to close the immigration loophole. Victim-support groups are urging clearer notification procedures and stronger monitoring of high-risk offenders.

The Guardian