UK Frees Rochdale Grooming Gang Ringleader, Govt Reviews Deportation Rules

Last Updated:July 03, 2026, 12:11 IST

Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed released from prison, sparking victim fear and government review of his deportation. He remains under strict supervision.

Shabir Ahmed, the convicted ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, has been released from prison after serving part of his 22-year sentence for multiple child sexual abuse offences. His release has drawn strong criticism, with victims saying they feel “frightened" and “unsafe". The UK government is now reviewing whether he can still be deported.

Ahmed, 73, was jailed in August 2012 for a string of offences, including rape, after being found guilty of sexually abusing vulnerable girls, some as young as 12. Known as “Daddy" by several victims, he was one of the main figures in the Rochdale grooming gang scandal.

According to the BBC, Ahmed has been moved to a secure, round the clock supervised accommodation following his release. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life, wear a GPS tracking tag and comply with strict licence conditions. Officials have said any breach of these conditions will result in his immediate return to prison.

While Ahmed’s British citizenship was revoked after his conviction, he has not been deported to Pakistan because of provisions under the Immigration Act 1971. The law protects certain Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK before 1973 and had lived in the country for at least five years from deportation.

The case has reignited political debate over immigration laws. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has asked the Home Secretary to review Ahmed’s case, while ministers say they are examining all possible legal options to remove him from the country.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has urged the government to amend the Immigration and Asylum Bill to remove what she called a legal loophole that has prevented Ahmed’s deportation.

Responding to concerns over his release, Downing Street described Ahmed’s crimes as among the darkest episodes in Britain’s history. It said he would remain under close supervision, with his movements monitored electronically and strict restrictions preventing him from contacting children or any of his victims.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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