Three brothers have been sentenced for historic sexual abuse offenses in Rotherham and Sheffield, as part of a long-running investigation into grooming gangs. Amar Ilyas, 41, was jailed for 27 years in his absence after fleeing to Pakistan. His brothers, Kamar Ilyas, 39, and Kamran Ilyas, 38, were sentenced to 10 years and three years, respectively.
The convictions stem from Operation Stovewood, a £90 million National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into sexual abuse in South Yorkshire between 1997 and 2013. Amar Ilyas was found guilty of 20 offenses, including rape and sexual abuse of five victims aged 12 to 18. His brothers were convicted of offenses against one of the victims.
Victim Impact and Legal Proceedings
Victims described enduring relentless trauma, including nightmares and flashbacks. One victim, abused by all three brothers, stated the abuse had 'seeped into every corner of my life.' Another survivor called Amar Ilyas a 'coward' for fleeing justice. Judge Peter Hampton criticized Ilyas's absence, urging authorities to bring him back to the UK.
Operation Stovewood and Legal Context
Operation Stovewood is the largest investigation of its kind in the UK, focusing on grooming and sexual abuse in Rotherham. The brothers were arrested in 2020 and charged in 2023. Amar Ilyas used the nickname 'Killer' and allegedly threatened victims with violence, including a gun and gang rape, to coerce compliance.
The NCA described Amar Ilyas's actions as 'relentless torment and rape' of a child victim over three years. The judge emphasized the courage of the survivors, whose testimonies led to the convictions.