Rochdale Grooming Gang Trial Collapses Following Juror WhatsApp Group Breach
A significant trial concerning an alleged grooming gang operating in Rochdale has been dramatically halted after jurors were discovered to have established a private WhatsApp group to discuss the sensitive case. The proceedings at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, which involved six men facing serious sexual offence charges, were terminated due to this fundamental breach of judicial protocol.
Details of the Case and the Controversial Communications
The prosecution had initially presented its case in October of the previous year, focusing on allegations of rape and other sexual crimes against two teenage schoolgirls in Rochdale between 2003 and 2006. However, the trial was suspended just two months later when one conscientious juror reported to court officials that several members of the twelve-person jury had been messaging within a dedicated WhatsApp group.
The group discussions reportedly referenced a broadcast related to the topic of grooming gangs. In one particularly concerning exchange, a juror warned others not to watch the programme, to which another responded defiantly: 'I'm going to watch it anyway,' accompanied by a smiley emoji. A separate juror also indicated through messaging that they intended to view the broadcast, raising immediate red flags about potential external influence on the jury's impartiality.
Judicial Investigation and the Decision to Discharge
Judge Matthew Corbett-Jones launched a thorough investigation, examining the entirety of the WhatsApp communications. During subsequent questioning, the two jurors who had stated their intention to watch the broadcast, along with the rest of the panel, claimed they had not actually viewed the material. Defence barristers expressed scepticism about the truthfulness of these assertions, prompting the prosecution to request that the judge conduct further interrogation of the two individuals.
Judge Corbett-Jones declined this request but ultimately granted defence applications to discharge the entire jury. He articulated 'real concerns' that the panel was not adhering to legal directions by conducting independent research into grooming gangs, and highlighted a tangible risk that such behaviour could recur. The judge stated with evident regret: 'With considerable regret and disappointment, I have reached the conclusion that the multiplicity of problems which have now arisen and the uncertainty as regards these issues means that whatever course of action I take, unanswered questions remain.'
He further elaborated that no reasonable action could rectify the 'multi-layered difficulties' that had compromised the trial's integrity. Reporting restrictions detailing the reasons for the jury's discharge were lifted on Friday following an application by the Manchester Evening News, bringing this extraordinary breach of court procedure to public attention.
Defendants and Future Proceedings
The six defendants, who all maintain their innocence, are: Tahir Rashid, 54, from Rochdale; Mohammed Saleem, 46, from Rochdale; Iftaq Hussain, 45, of Shawforth, Lancashire; Sucklane Shah, 46, of no fixed abode; Arshad Mohammed, 55, of Rochdale; and Amjad Mahmood, 53, of Rochdale. They face a range of charges including rape, assault by penetration, indecent assault, and indecency with a child. Rashid additionally denies a separate historical rape allegation from the late 1980s.
A retrial has been scheduled for August, necessitating a complete restart of the legal process. This collapse underscores the critical importance of juror conduct and the severe consequences when the strict rules governing jury deliberations are violated, potentially delaying justice for the alleged victims.
