Sex offender convicted after five years on the run

A sex offender who spent five years on the run after being charged with indecently assaulting a 14-year-old girl has been found guilty of the offence.

Shahid Hussain, who fled the country in 2018, was arrested in Bulgaria in 2023 and extradited back to the UK to stand trial.

Jurors at Sheffield Crown Court found the 48-year-old guilty of indecent assault after hearing he had forced his victim to perform a sex act in 2003.

Hussain, formerly of Rotherham, has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 16 August.

Hussain was investigated as part of Operation Stovewood, the National Crime Agency's (NCA) inquiry into non-familial child sexual abuse and exploitation which took place in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

'Coward'

NCA Senior Investigating Officer, Stuart Cobb, said: “Hussain carried out a vile attack on a vulnerable young girl and when he knew he was going to be held to account, he took the coward’s route by going on the run.

“We have always been determined to put Hussain before the courts. Finally, 21 years after carrying out his crime, he has faced justice."

Martin McRobb, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said Hussain had "targeted a child and subjected her to a horrendous sexual assault" before trying to "evade the law" by leaving the country.

He added: “I hope this conviction sends a clear message: sex offenders who flee abroad will not escape justice. We will continue to work collaboratively with international partners to ensure perpetrators are returned to face the full force of the law."

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