A leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, who was freed from prison, was judged to be a high risk to children in a 2023 assessment, according to documents obtained by the Guardian. The revelation has intensified scrutiny of the parole board's decision to release him.
High Risk Assessment Ignored
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a gang that sexually exploited teenage girls in Rochdale between 2008 and 2010. He was sentenced to a minimum of six years in prison in 2012. In a 2023 risk assessment, officials concluded he posed a high risk of serious harm to children, yet he was released on parole earlier this year.
The assessment stated: "He continues to present a high risk of serious harm to children, particularly girls aged 13-16." Despite this, the parole board decided he could be managed in the community under strict conditions.
Political and Public Backlash
The release has provoked widespread anger. Victims' families expressed dismay, with one mother saying: "We feel betrayed by a system that promised to keep our children safe." The Home Secretary has ordered an urgent review of the case, calling the decision "deeply concerning."
Shadow home secretary echoed the sentiment, saying: "This is a catastrophic failure of the justice system. How can someone deemed a high risk to children be allowed to walk free?"
Parole Board Defends Decision
The parole board defended its decision, stating that all evidence was considered, including the risk assessment. A spokesperson said: "The panel carefully weighed the risk against a robust management plan. The decision was not taken lightly."
However, critics argue that the system is flawed. A former senior probation officer commented: "Risk assessments are often ignored in favor of prison overcrowding and rehabilitation rhetoric. This is a ticking time bomb."
Calls for Reform
Campaigners are calling for an overhaul of the parole system, particularly for sex offenders. The NSPCC said: "The safety of children must be paramount. This case shows that the system is failing to protect them."
The government has announced a review of parole board guidelines, with a focus on high-risk offenders. The justice secretary stated: "We will ensure that public protection is the sole consideration in such cases."
The case has also reignited debate about the handling of grooming gangs, with demands for tougher sentences and better monitoring of offenders post-release.
