Three Brothers Jailed for Decades of Sexual Abuse Against Underage Girls

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through communities in Leeds and Barrow-in-Furness, three brothers have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in the sexual abuse and rape of underage girls over a span of nearly 15 years. The abuse, which took place between 1996 and 2010, involved multiple victims who were systematically groomed, exploited, and terrorized by the perpetrators. Shaha Amran Miah, 49, Shaha Alman Miah, 47, and Shah Joman Miah, 38, were convicted in October 2022, with two of the brothers maintaining their innocence until the end, while one eventually admitted his crimes, though the judge deemed his confession insincere and offered no leniency.

The Brothers’ Crimes and Sentencing

The brothers’ crimes were marked by a calculated and remorseless abuse of power, with the victims subjected to unimaginable suffering. Shaha Amran Miah, known as Jai, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years and 338 days. Shaha Alman Miah, known as Ali, received a 10-year prison sentence, with an additional four years on licence. Shah Joman Miah, known as Sarj, was also handed a life sentence, with a minimum term of 21 years and 232 days. The sentences reflect the severity of their crimes, which included multiple counts of rape, sexual activity with a child, intimidation, and kidnapping. The brothers’ actions were described as a "classic grooming technique," where they manipulated and exploited vulnerable underage girls, offering them gifts and treats to build trust before subjecting them to abuse.

Grooming and Abuse: A Pattern of Exploitation

The brothers’ methods of grooming and abuse were chillingly systematic. In Leeds, Sarj and Jai regularly abused two children at a mosque, beginning when the victims were just seven years old. The abuse continued for years, with the brothers taking advantage of their positions of trust within the community. In Barrow-in-Furness, the brothers targeted vulnerable underage girls at a flat above their family’s takeaway business. They lured the girls with cigarettes, alcohol, food, and even hair extensions, creating an environment where they could freely exploit their victims. A key witness described the space as "dingy" and "like a crack house," with mattresses on the floor and sheets covering the windows. The brothers’ actions were not random; they worked as a team, creating a predatory environment where they could abuse young girls without fear of detection.

Threats and Intimidation: Silencing the Victims

The brothers’ crimes were further marked by a pattern of intimidation and threats designed to silence their victims. In one shocking incident in 2009, one of the girls was grabbed off the street by her hair and shoved into a van after speaking to police. Jai, who was in the passenger seat, warned the girl that she would be killed if she ever spoke out. This was not an isolated incident. Jai also threatened a woman who was due to be interviewed by police in 2010, causing her to withdraw her cooperation. Sarj, meanwhile, became increasingly controlling of one of his victims, taking her to a hotel for sex on a regular basis. The psychological impact of his abuse has been so profound that the victim remains on medication and is terrified of encountering him in public. These acts of intimidation and control highlight the brothers’ determination to maintain their grip on their victims and avoid accountability.

The Devastating Impact on the Victims

The brothers’ crimes have left a trail of devastation in their wake. The victims, many of whom were schoolgirls at the time of the abuse, have suffered profound psychological and emotional damage. One witness described how the brothers would regularly be seen with multiple underage girls at their takeaway, where they would manipulate and abuse them. The victims were exploited not just physically but also emotionally, with the brothers using gifts and treats to build trust before subjecting them to horrific abuse. The court heard that one of the victims remains haunted by the abuse, fearing encounters with Sarj and relying on medication to cope with the trauma. The judge emphasized how the brothers had "shattered the lives" of their victims, leaving them with scars that will last a lifetime.

Justice Served: A Warning to Predators

While the sentences handed down to the brothers bring a measure of justice to the victims, they also serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of such heinous crimes. The brothers’ ability to hide in plain sight, exploiting their positions of trust and manipulating their victims, makes their crimes all the more shocking. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for communities to come together to protect vulnerable individuals from predators. It also underscores the courage of the victims who came forward to share their stories, despite the immense emotional toll it must have taken. As the brothers begin their prison sentences, it is hoped that their victims can find some measure of closure and begin the long process of healing. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the need to combat grooming and abuse, and to support those who have been affected by such crimes.