An alleged victim of the Rochdale grooming gang has stood her ground in court, insisting she correctly identified her attacker. Girl C claims she and another vulnerable school pupil were exploited and abused in the most degrading ways. Six men are currently on trial, charged with various sexual offences against Girl C and/or Girl A from 2003 to 2006.
Girl C believed she was in a relationship with defendant Sucklane Shah, a 46-year-old married father, and reported having sex with him multiple times in his car. Shah’s lawyer, Pierce Power, challenged her account, claiming it was entirely fabricated. However, Girl C remained firm in her testimony.
Another accused, Arshad Mohammed, is alleged to have transported Girl C to different locations for sexual encounters. His defence lawyer argued she had identified the wrong person, but Girl C confirmed her statement.
Also on trial is Amjad Mahmood, who faces accusations of raping Girl C. His counsel disputed any such interactions, but Girl C assured the court they did happen.
Shah, Mohammed, and Mahmood all deny the accusations. The trial also includes Mohammed Saleem and Itfaq Hussain, who deny raping Girl A, and alleged ringleader Tahir Rashid, facing charges of raping Girl A, Girl C, and a third complainant, Girl B, from the late 1980s.
Stay tuned as the trial at Manchester Minshull Street Court unfolds.