The trial of eight men accused of a string of sexual offences against two girls in Rochdale began this week. Prosecutors allege the two vulnerable girls became 'sex slaves' for older Asian men. The alleged offences, said to have been committed between and , include numerous counts of rape. The alleged victims, who are entitled to anonymity under the law, are being identified as 'Girl A' and 'Girl B'. The trial, which is expected to last until the end of April, got underway at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester this week.
These are the charges, in full, the men face. All eight deny each charge, having pleaded not guilty at earlier court hearings:. The court clerk read out the 56 counts on the indictment, or the list of charges.
Judge Jonathan Seely then addressed jurors. He said Mr Bashir previously pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces. He has told his lawyer what his case is, the judge said. Judge Seely told the jury: "The fact that Kashir Bashir is not here does not affect your task, which in this case is to decide whether or not he is guilty of the charges against him.
You mustn't speculate about the reason Kashir Bashir is not here. His absence is not evidence against him and must not affect your judgement. The judge said it is hoped the trial will finish before the end of April. He then told jurors: "This case involves allegations of child sexual exploitation dating back some years. It is inevitable that allegations of this nature can give rise to strong emotions. As judges you must try the case coolly and dispassionately, not letting emotions cloud your judgement.
Sympathy either way plays no part in your deliberations. Rossano Scamardella KC then began opening the prosecution's case. He said: "The men in the dock are responsible for the rape and sexual exploitation of two girls. The abuse of [Girl B] and [Girl A] began when each of them was just 13 years-old and they both suffered at the hands of these men for a little over three years. They had deeply troubled home lives and were known to the authorities.
