A group of men who sexually assaulted eight girls have been given a combined sentence of almost 350 years.

After years of terrorizing young girls in the North Kirklees area of West Yorkshire, the sexual predator ring has finally been brought to justice. On Friday, the last seven members of the group, which consisted of roughly 24 individuals, were sentenced to a total of 346 years in jail. The gang's horrific actions, which included rape, sexual abuse, and trafficking, were uncovered by West Yorkshire Police's Operation Tourway.

The investigation, which lasted two years and involved five trials, was a difficult and lengthy process. However, thanks to the bravery of the victims who came forward and shared their experiences, the perpetrators were caught and charged. The first arrests were made in November 2018, and by December 2020, all members of the gang had been officially charged. The first sentences were handed down in 2022, and on Friday, reporting restrictions were lifted, allowing for the full details of the sentencing to be revealed.

Detective Chief Inspector Oliver Coates commended the victims for their courage in speaking out against their abusers. He expressed his disgust at the despicable behavior of the gang, stating that their actions were "abhorrent in the extreme." Four of the men received sentences of over 20 years, and Coates emphasized the severity of their crimes, which included multiple offenses and a complete lack of regard for the well-being of their young victims.

Now that reporting restrictions have been lifted, the public can finally know the full details of the sentencing. This has been a long and difficult trial process, and Coates acknowledged the shock and horror that the juries must have experienced upon hearing the details of the crimes committed against the victims. He also highlighted the remarkable strength and resilience of the victims who endured the abuse and then bravely testified against their abusers.

One of the most heinous perpetrators, Asif Ali, was found guilty of 14 rape offenses and was sentenced to over 30 years in prison. Coates condemned Ali's actions, stating that he saw his victims as "defenseless commodities" to be used and exploited at his whim. However, despite the power dynamic between the perpetrators and their young victims, the women showed incredible strength in standing up for themselves and fighting back against their abusers.

Coates hopes that the victims can find some closure and satisfaction in knowing that their bravery has led to the removal of these dangerous sexual predators from the streets. He acknowledged the difficulty of the investigation and expressed gratitude for the support of the victims and their determination to seek justice. The police and their partners have worked tirelessly to bring these criminals to justice, and Coates believes that their efforts have made the community a safer place for years to come.

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