Wellington brothers found guilty of child sex offences
Two brothers from the Wellington area of Telford were today found guilty of a significant number of sexual offences against vulnerable young girls.
Ahdel Ali aged 24 and Mubarek Ali aged 29, who both live in Regent Street, were convicted at Stafford Crown Court earlier today, after a trial that has lasted more than seven weeks.
Ahdel Ali was found not guilty of one count of inciting child prostitution.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, senior investigating officer for West Mercia Police said:
"The verdicts today are the culmination of a long and complex police investigation into the sexual exploitation of young women.
"This is one of a number of high profile trials which have taken place recently across the UK and we are satisfied with the convictions in this case.
"Ahdel Ali and Mubarek Ali targeted these girls because of their vulnerability and then systematically groomed them in such a way that eventually they could exploit them sexually for their own gain and gratification.
"This trial has been an ordeal for those giving evidence and I would like to pay tribute to the strength and character shown by all of the victims who came and gave evidence.
"It has been very challenging for these young women to come forward and give their evidence and I hope that these convictions will go some way to help them move on with their future lives.
"I would also like to thank my team of dedicated officers and staff who worked very hard to bring these men to justice.
"We have worked in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council, the UK Human Trafficking Centre and many other organisations to provide support and help to many of those affected by these crimes.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Crown Prosecution Service who supported us thoroughly throughout this investigation."
Harry Ireland, Chief Crown Prosecutor from West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), said:
"The defendants who have been convicted today variously groomed, trafficked, raped and engaged in sexual activity with girls both under and over the age of 16 years.
"Those girls were vulnerable due to their age and sometimes personal circumstances, and these individuals exploited their weakness for their own gratifications.
"In this case, both of the defendants who have been prosecuted took part in criminal activities which they knew were illegal and therefore, they must take full responsibility for their actions and now deal with the consequences.
"This was a very complex case from the outset and I would like to thank West Mercia Police for their thorough investigation and our Complex Casework Unit for preparing this difficult prosecution.
"Finally, I would also like to thank the victims who gave evidence, for their courage and support for this prosecution. I hope the verdicts provide some comfort for them and their families, and help them to move on and rebuild their lives."
His Honour Judge Thomas QC presided over the trial and the pair will be sentenced in October.
