Key facts
- Shabir Ahmed is the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang.
- Ahmed is set for release from prison this week.
- Ahmed cannot be deported from the UK.
- Ahmed was convicted of child rape.
- Ahmed arrived in the UK before 1973.
- Ahmed has lived in the UK for over five years.
- The Immigration Act 1971 bars Ahmed's removal to Pakistan.
- A whistleblower exposed the Rochdale grooming gang.
- The whistleblower fears Ahmed's release due to probation failings.
- The whistleblower cited Ahmed's lack of remorse.
Shabir Ahmed, identified as the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, is scheduled for release from prison this week. Despite his conviction for child rape, Ahmed cannot be deported from the United Kingdom due to provisions within the Immigration Act 1971. This act prevents his removal to Pakistan because he arrived in the UK prior to 1973 and has resided there for over five years. A whistleblower, who was instrumental in exposing the grooming gang, has voiced concerns regarding Ahmed's impending release. The whistleblower cited "weak" probation services and Ahmed's apparent lack of remorse as reasons for their apprehension. Ahmed's conviction involved child rape, and his release is imminent, raising further questions about public safety and the effectiveness of the justice system in handling such cases.