Rotherham Taxi Driver Jailed for Child Rape
A taxi driver who abused two girls in Rotherham over 20 years ago has been locked up for 13 years. Adam Ali, 43, was found guilty of multiple rapes and assaults on young girls aged 12 and 13.
Operation Stovewood Shines Light on Historic Abuse
Ali, previously known as Razwan Razaq, targeted vulnerable girls between 2002 and 2004. Using his cab, he lured victims to isolated spots where he carried out his attacks. The National Crime Agency’s massive Operation Stovewood uncovered his crimes as part of a wider probe into child sexual abuse across South Yorkshire.
During a trial in May, Ali was convicted of three counts of rape and three counts of sexual assault. This sentence comes just months after he was released from an 11-year stretch for unrelated sexual offences. The NCA swooped on him a month after his release when they learned he planned to flee to Pakistan.
On 9 July, Sheffield Crown Court handed down an additional 13-year sentence and slapped a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) on him.
Victims Praise Bravery; Authorities Vow Justice
NCA Senior Investigating Officer Stuart Cobb said: “I want to pay tribute to the victims who showed immense courage in coming forward. They endured horrors no child should face. I hope today’s sentence helps them feel justice has been served. Operation Stovewood is ongoing, and we’re committed to protecting victims and bringing offenders to court.”
The operation remains the UK’s largest investigation into child abuse in Rotherham from 1997 to 2013. To date, it has identified over 1,100 victims, made 200-plus arrests, and secured 34 convictions. More than 50 investigations are still active.
CPS Prosecutor Sends Warning to Abusers
Liz Fell, CPS Specialist Prosecutor, added: “Adam Ali deliberately targeted children to exploit them. Child sexual abuse leaves lifelong scars. We commend the victims for their bravery. Their testimony was key to securing this conviction and bringing Ali to justice. This sends a clear message: the CPS and law enforcement will relentlessly pursue and prosecute sexual predators wherever abuse occurs.”
“We urge all victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report offences to the police. It’s never too late to seek justice.”
