Two men convicted of non-recent child sexual exploitation of five victims in Bury

Two men have today (Monday 27 October 2025) been convicted at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court for the systematic grooming and sexual abuse of vulnerable teenage girls in Bury during the late 1990s.

The men were found guilty unanimously by a jury of the 24 charges put before them following a trial.

Manzorr Hussain (18/08/1971) of Bury was found guilty of:

• Seven counts of rape
• Six counts of indecent assault

Imtiaz Ali (03/01/1972) of Radcliffe was found guilty of:

• Five counts of rape
• Five counts of indecent assault
• One count of an attempted indecent assault

Hussain and Ali were found guilty following a complex and lengthy investigation led by Greater Manchester Police. The offences took place between 1996 and 2000 and involved five victims, aged between 13 and 16 at the time.

The court heard how Hussain and Ali targeted vulnerable girls. The men groomed the victims by offering them alcohol, drugs, money, and lifts in their cars before subjecting them to repeated sexual abuse in homes, vehicles, and other locations in Bury and parts of Wales.

The abuse was orchestrated and sustained, with victims often being made to feel indebted to the men. In some cases, they were threatened or coerced into sexual acts.

Hussain and Ali, who are cousins, both ran market stalls at the time, which is how they first met some of the girls.

Since reporting their abuse to police in September 2018, the victims have received regular support from specialist officers and partner agencies.

When the first victim reported her ordeal, her account led to the identification of further victims, who were subsequently interviewed and supported throughout the judicial process.

Both men were arrested in May 2021 and refused to comment during police interviews. The jury heard compelling evidence, including video interviews and witness testimony, which detailed the extent of the abuse and the impact it had on the victims.

Working in close collaboration with the Crown Prosecution Service, officers and prosecutors were able to build a compelling case against both Ali and Hussain.

During the trial, the prosecution laid out a carefully assembled case that brought together various pieces of evidence supporting the victims’ testimonies.

Even after many years, the complainants were able to recall specific addresses and locations where the abuse took place. This, along with additional evidence - such as historical records from social services and schools - provided vital details that helped establish timelines and linked the defendants to particular places and dates of the alleged offences.

Sentencing will take place at Manchester Crown Court on Monday 8 December 2025.

Sergeant Daniel Whittaker, of our Bury division and who led the investigation, said: “This case represents a harrowing example of predatory behaviour by two men who deliberately targeted vulnerable children.

“The offenders were plying the victims with alcohol and drugs and taking them to numerous locations before sexually abusing and assaulting them.

“They exploited their positions of trust and manipulated the girls into believing they were in relationships, while in reality they were being used for sexual gratification.

“Hussain and Ali have faced long-awaited justice for their crimes after victims courageously gave testimony in court and continued to support our dedicated investigation.

“The bravery shown by the victims in coming forward and reliving their trauma has been instrumental in securing these convictions. We commend their courage and hope this outcome brings some measure of justice and closure.”

Claire Brinton, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, said: "Manzorr Hussain and Imtiaz Ali exploited five vulnerable teenage girls, grooming them with alcohol and drugs before subjecting them to appalling sexual abuse.

“The defendants deliberately targeted children they knew they could exploit and treated them as objects to be passed around for their own and others’ sexual gratification. They showed a callous disregard for the girls’ welfare and used manipulation, force, threats and fear to control them and make them comply with their sick demands.

"These women have demonstrated remarkable bravery in coming forward, remaining engaged with the legal process, and reliving deeply traumatic experiences from over two decades ago. I would like to thank all of them; I hope these convictions can bring them some comfort.

"Our Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, in collaboration with Greater Manchester Police, was able to use extensive evidence to build a comprehensive picture of their offending to present to a jury who found them guilty and delivered the justice these women deserved.”

Remember – if in doubt report it

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515. The specialist support services helping GMP deliver justice for CSE victims, as survivor says she can "live my life" | Greater Manchester Police

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.

- Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.