The recent release of Shabir Ahmed, the leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, has raised concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the probation service. Ahmed, 73, was freed from prison last Thursday after serving 14 years of his sentence, which followed his 2012 conviction for multiple sexual offenses involving children. He was originally sentenced to 30 years for child rape charges related to victims as young as 13.

Sara Rowbotham, a former council worker who helped expose the grooming ring, described the move as “really scary” for women and girls. Rowbotham’s team played a key role in gathering evidence that resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of Ahmed and eight other men. She said she was “terrified” at the thought of encountering Ahmed in public following his release.

The original sentencing in 2012 included a directive that Ahmed would be deported to Pakistan, his country of birth, after completing his prison term. However, the government recently acknowledged that under the Immigration Act 1971, deportation is no longer possible in his case. Although Ahmed has been stripped of his British citizenship, legal provisions prevent his removal from the country.

The announcement has added to concerns about the capacity of the probation service to monitor high-risk offenders effectively. Critics describe the service as “weak” and suggest that failings in its oversight could put vulnerable communities at risk. The government has acknowledged these challenges but has not yet outlined specific measures to address the issue in light of Ahmed’s release.

The case of Ahmed and the Rochdale grooming gang remains one of the most high-profile examples of child sexual exploitation in recent UK history. It has prompted ongoing debate about the balance between justice, rehabilitation, and public safety, particularly in relation to offenders who cannot be deported despite losing citizenship status. Authorities face pressure to ensure that robust safeguards are in place to prevent further harm in such cases.