Rochdale sex abuse and rape trial - everything heard in week one as eight men face string of allegations

The trial of eight men accused of a string of sexual offences against two girls in Rochdale began this week.

Prosecutors allege the two vulnerable girls became 'sex slaves' for older Asian men. The alleged offences, said to have been committed between 2001 and 2006, include numerous counts of rape. The alleged victims, who are entitled to anonymity under the law, are being identified as 'Girl A' and 'Girl B'.

Mohammed Zahid, 64; Kasir Bashir, 50; Mushtaq Ahmed, 66; Roheez Khan, 39; Mohammed Shahzad, 43; Nisar Hussain, 43; Naheem Akram, 48; and Arfan Khan, 40, deny all the charges they face.

The trial, which is expected to last until the end of April, got underway at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester this week.

These are the charges, in full, the men face. All eight deny each charge, having pleaded not guilty at earlier court hearings:

The case started with the jury being put ‘in charge’ of the case. The court clerk read out the 56 counts on the indictment, or the list of charges. Judge Jonathan Seely then addressed jurors.

The judge said one of the defendants, Kashir Bashir, 50, of Napier Street East, Oldham, was absent. He said Mr Bashir previously pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces. He has told his lawyer what his case is, the judge said.

Judge Seely told the jury: "The fact that Kashir Bashir is not here does not affect your task, which in this case is to decide whether or not he is guilty of the charges against him. You mustn't speculate about the reason Kashir Bashir is not here. His absence is not evidence against him and must not affect your judgement."

The judge said it is hoped the trial will finish before the end of April. He then told jurors: "This case involves allegations of child