A man from Rotherham already serving a lengthy prison term for violent rape against a girl has been given an additional three-year sentence for another sexual assault on a vulnerable teenager in the same town. Sageer Hussain, aged 40, was convicted earlier this year for raping a 14-year-old girl after an investigation by the National Crime Agency.
During sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court, Judge Thomas addressed Hussain, emphasizing that the victim had been previously abused by others in the area. A report from 2014 revealed that around 1,400 children in Rotherham had suffered sexual exploitation between 1997 and 2013, with victims as young as 11 enduring horrific abuse.
The NCA has prosecuted 49 individuals, including Hussain, in connection with the abuse in Rotherham. Hussain, who had been close to completing his previous sentence, received an additional three-year term for the recent rape. He will serve half of this new sentence before being released on license for the remainder.
Hussain, who comes from a family of abusers in Rotherham, was previously sentenced to nearly two decades in prison for rape. The Judge noted that Hussain lacked positive role models due to his brothers’ criminal convictions. Despite being a teenager at the time of the offenses, the Judge emphasized that Hussain made conscious choices and knew his actions were wrong.
Following his brother’s imprisonment, Hussain defended him on Channel 4 News but ended up facing his own charges of rape. The Judge commended the victim for her bravery and thanked her for her conduct during the trial. Hussain, who appeared via video link due to a medical condition, has been a positive influence in custody and was sentenced to three years for the recent rape.
Hussain’s case is part of Operation Stovewood, a significant investigation into historic sexual abuse allegations in Rotherham. The Judge’s sentence will run consecutively to his existing term. NCA officials praised the victim for coming forward and urged other survivors to seek support from specially trained officers to pursue justice.
Operation Stovewood continues to investigate abuse in Rotherham, with 49 individuals, including Hussain, facing prosecution. Co-defendants in Hussain’s case are set to be sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court in November.