'Predatory paedophile' from Halifax given 24-year extended prison sentence

Halifax man Raja Yasin had denied a series of charges dating back to the late 1980s involving four complainants, but at the end of his trial at Bradford Crown Court the jury found him guilty of 19 offences including rapes against two of his victims.

Yasin was also convicted of more than a dozen sexual assault allegations as well attempting to pervert the course of justice by putting pressure on one of the complainants.

It was revealed after the jury’s unanimous guilty verdicts that back in 1995 Yasin was convicted at Leeds Crown Court of having unlawful sexual intercourse with another teenage girl.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC sentenced Yasin to a total of 21 years in jail, but he also added a three-year extension to his licence period.

Yasin will also have a register as a sex offender with the police for the rest of his life.

Judge Durham Hall said Yasin, who has been treated for cancer in the past, had behaved “abominably” towards children and young people for 20 years or more and he had destroyed lives.

The judge said the police officers involved in the case had behaved magnificently and should be commended for their work.

Detective Superintendent Mark McManus speaking after the case said; “Raja Yasin sexually abused his victims over three decades, causing continued misery and suffering. I would like to praise the victims for having the strength and courage to come forward to the police, in giving their evidence about the harrowing experiences they have suffered at the hands Yasin.

“The passage of time is no barrier to the police investigating reports of sexual abuse, and as demonstrated in our complicated and extensive enquiry, we will do everything within our power to bring those responsible for these heinous offences to justice.

“I welcome today’s significant sentence, and whilst it cannot erase what has taken place, hope it helps to bring some comfort and closure to all those affected by these crimes.

“We would always encourage anyone who has been the victim, or who has witnessed any form of abuse to come forward to the police. Our dedicated teams will always take all reports seriously, deal with them sensitively and work to bring offenders to justice.”