Sheffield man in group of 29 to stand trial over sexual exploitation of 18 children

The accused face over 170 charges between them and will go on trial in three separate groups, a judge ruled in a court hearing yesterday.

Twenty six men and two women appeared before a judge at Leeds Crown Court charged with offences including rape, trafficking, sexual activity with a child, child neglect, child abduction, supplying drugs and making of indecent images of children yesterday.

The 29th defendant, who is in custody, did not appear for the hearing.

The allegations date back to between 2004 and 2011, and relate to 18 women, who were children at the time, with the youngest 11.

The defendants are mainly from Huddersfield but also include a man from Sheffield and others from Bradford, Manchester and Dewsbury.

The Sheffield suspect - Abdul Rehman, 29, of Darnley Drive, Manor - is charged with rape, trafficking, supplying drugs, supply of a controlled substance with intent to engage in sexual activity and sexual touching.

He is due to go on trial on January 8.