Members of Rotherham grooming gang have already been freed from jail

Two members of the Rotherham grooming gangs who sexually abused and trafficked up to 1,400 girls have been quietly released from jail after serving just half of their (disgracefully short) sentences.

Qurban Ali and Tayab Dad, who were both handed 10 year sentences for their part in the abuse scandal, were automatically released on licence half-way through their sentence.

Ali, 59, jailed in February 2016, after being found guilty of conspiracy to rape, was released in 'early' 2021 and is currently on probation.

Similarly, Dad, 40, who was found guilty of one count of rape at a second trial in February 2017, was released from prison in the first few months of this year.

Both men are currently on license, with strict conditions, although it is not known whether this restricts their movement or prevents them from returning to the Rotherham area or south Yorkshire.

Because of the legal rules in place governing inmates' rights under determinant sentences, officials were unable to refer their cases to the Parole Board for assessment.