Justice can still be obtained against alleged abusers who are no longer in the United Kingdom

The Crown Prosecution Service have confirmed that Mr Shahid Hussain who was prosecuted as part of Operation Stovewood was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment on 24 September 2024. 

Operation Stovewood continues to investigation allegations of abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 and it is reported that so far 36 people have been convicted as a result of the investigation.  

This conviction specifically caught my attention however because Mr Hussain was charged with indecent assault in July 2018 but then failed to appear at the court hearing. It was discovered that he had left the country. The Crown Prosecution Service then obtained a European Arrest Warrant and Mr Hussain was stopped and arrested in Bulgaria in November 2023 following a collaboration between the Crown Prosecution Service, the National Crime Agency and the Bulgarian authorities. 

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, the UK is no longer part of the European Arrest Warrant framework but it was replaced by a new protocol. 

In another high profile case, a South African court ruled in August 2024 that a former teacher at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College in Scotland could be extradited back to the UK. The BBC presenter Nicky Campbell is among the people who have made allegations of abuse against the former teacher.     

It is obviously a concern for a survivor of abuse when an alleged abuser either no longer lives in the UK or as in the case of Mr Hussain absconds to attempt to avoid justice. However, Jordans Solicitors are currently acting in a number of claims where this applies and the alleged abuser is known to be in Europe or North America. In my experience, the Crown Prosecution Service and National Crime Agency know how to collaborate with the relevant authorities to ensure that justice can still be done.     

Jordans solicitors are acting on behalf of vulnerable children and young adults whom it is alleged were sexually abused in a number of different types of institutions.

Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.

We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.

Justice for child abuse survivors should be accessible no matter how long ago it happened. That’s why we fought for a landmark change in the law, which allows an abuse claim to be brought before a court regardless of when it took place.

If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors. 

If you or your child have been affected by anything in this article and would like to speak to one of our highly qualified abuse team members in confidence, then please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Our highly skilled abuse team will advice you on the available options for pursuing a civil damages claim.

 Jordans successfully represent and secure compensation for numerous victims of abuse and are highly experienced in this area. 

They are experts in overcoming the particular challenges that arise in these types of sensitive cases. Please contact the abuse team on 0800 9555 094