Telford child sex grooming gang ringleader will not be released from prison - could stay until 2032

A LEADER of a child sex grooming gang which abused and trafficked girls will not be released from prison, the Parole Board has said.

The board today announced its decision over whether to release Mubarek Ali, 39, after a hearing in April.

Ali was named as one of the ringleaders of a gang who sexually exploited girls as young as 12 across Telford and the rest of the country.

It followed the Operation Chalice investigation which revealed details of a network of men from who targeted young and vulnerable teenage girls.

He was jailed for 14 years with an extended licence of eights years in October 2012 then released early after only five years in November 2017 after being convicted of controlling child prostitution, causing child prostitution and two offences of trafficking in the UK for the purpose of prostitution.

He was recalled to prison in June 2018 for breaching his licence and has been back inside ever since.

Ahead of today's announcement, a board spokesman said: "The decision will follow his first hearing since the recall.

"The Secretary of State for Justice was not represented at the hearing but submissions were provided in writing."

A summary of the board panel's decision said: "Mr Ali is now 38 years old, and this was his second review by the Parole Board since his recall. If not released by the panel, Mr Ali would otherwise be released at the end of his sentence in October 2032, unless found suitable for a return to the community before that date as the result of a future parole review.

Having considered the index offences, relevant patterns of previous offending and the other evidence before it, the panel listed risk factors (influences that made it

more likely that Mr Ali would offend).

"At the time of his offending, these risk factors had included his way of life and choice of friends, his lack of victim empathy, need for financial gain and an uncertain sense of himself.

"Evidence was presented in the dossier regarding Mr Ali’s progress and custodial conduct during this sentence.

"He had not completed any accredited programmes to address his offending behaviour and the panel could find no evidence to suggest that his level of risk towards others had reduced.

"Report writers did not support his release.

"The panel examined the release plan provided by Mr Ali’s probation officer and weighed its proposals against assessed risks. The plan included a requirement to reside in designated accommodation as well as strict limitations on Mr Ali’s contacts, movements and activities.

"The panel concluded this plan was not robust enough to manage Mr Ali in the community at this stage.

"After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that Mr Ali was suitable for release.

"He will be eligible for another parole review in due course."