A gang of four men and one woman have been jailed for a total of 81 years after they were convicted of sexually exploiting three teenage girls in Rhyl, North Wales

A gang comprising four men and one woman who sexually exploited three teenage girls has been handed a combined sentence totalling 81 years in prison. The judge remarked that they viewed their victims as “easy prey”.

The victims were just 14, 15, and 16 years old when the gang targeted them, grooming them with drugs and alcohol before taking advantage of them. Ringleader Mustafa Iqbal has been jailed for 35 years following his conviction on 21 offences, including four counts of rape.

The judge described him as having an “apparently uncontrollable” and “voracious” sexual appetite. One accomplice, Sarah Gray, “sold her soul” to him in return for cocaine, permitting him to rape one of the victims at her residence. The other gang members were Mohamed Arshad, Jaswinder Singh and Ziaullah Badshah.

The four men caused severe psychological harm to the three victims. Following a trial, they were found guilty last month of offences connected to the exploitation and abuse of three teenage girls in Rhyl and surrounding areas between April 2022 and March 2024, reports Wales Online.

During the four-month trial at Caernarfon Crown Court, jurors heard how they supplied the children with alcohol and drugs before raping and assaulting them. Owen Edwards KC, prosecuting, explained that Iqbal had encountered two girls wandering Rhyl’s streets while under the influence of cannabis in March 2022.

He took them to his home and informed his two accomplices, Arshad and Badshah. While the girls initially said they were 17 and 16, one subsequently disclosed their actual ages as 15 and 14.

During a game of spin the bottle involving kissing, the girls were given cannabis. The abuse escalated rapidly. Additional contact occurred and an investigation was initiated by police in 2022, though no charges were brought against the defendants at that stage.

Following the sentencing of Iqbal and his co-accused, Judge Simon Mills stated he intended no criticism of North Wales Police, but suggested there ought to be “reflection”.

He said: “There should be some reflection – hindsight is a wonderful thing – on the failure to take action. There should be some consideration as to whether any more could have been done to protect these children. I’m not being critical because hindsight is a wonderful thing and there was more evidence that came to light subsequently.”

In November 2023, Iqbal met another girl who was 16. Iqbal “made his sexual interest in her obvious” and she called him a “nonce”.

However, within days she had become involved in a relationship where she traded sex for cocaine. Mr Edwards said: “She was in effect a sex slave.”

An adult who knew her contacted the authorities. Iqbal was arrested on 17 January 2024, with officers finding he had a sex toy and a weapon – a noxious gas canister, the court was told.

In February 2024, Iqbal was issued with a warning to end all communication with the 16-year-old girl. Undeterred, he changed his mobile phone, car and address, moving his later sexual liaisons with her to either Sarah Gray’s residence in Gronant or his own dwelling.

During one incident, Iqbal shackled the girl with handcuffs and raped her “forcefully”, the court heard from Mr Edwards. Afterwards, Sarah Gray washed the bed linen to eliminate forensic evidence.

Nevertheless, the girl contacted police and handed over underwear containing DNA which she had kept following Iqbal’s last rape of her. Officers arrested all the defendants on 7 August 2025 and uncovered that Iqbal had been communicating with another girl, aged 17.

Louisa Robertson, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Iqbal, Arshad and Badshah sexually exploited these children using alcohol and drugs to coerce them.

“Singh and Gray were complicit in the exploitation of vulnerable girls. The victims of these shocking crimes showed great courage in speaking out against their abusers, and it is through their strength that we have brought all the offenders charged to justice.”

Iqbal and his accomplice Arshad, who wasn’t engaged in drug dealing, “revelled in the ease with which they could exploit” the first 15 year old girl.

One co-accused grumbled that Ziaullah Badshah was “getting more than his fair share of sexual activity (with her)”, Mr Edwards disclosed. Tim Naylor, representing Iqbal, told the court: “He is someone who wants to impress others. He wants to be liked – traits which have led him into poor decision making.”

The trained chef, who “descended into drug dealing”, has “some insight” into his offences, Mr Naylor explained. “He knows he will have to serve a considerable part of his life in prison. He will miss a large part of his children’s development.”

Graeme James, representing Arshad, informed the court his client wouldn’t have got involved with the 15 year old had he known her true age, insisting he thought she was 17. The judge, however, observed that the jury had dismissed Arshad’s version of events.

Simon Killeen, acting for Badshah, said a probation officer had characterised him as impressionable and having his own vulnerabilities.

Duncan Bould, defending Singh, stated his client recognises his relationship with the two girls was “inappropriate”, and that Singh admitted providing them with cannabis.

“He is a lonely and socially isolated person” who had a “devastating commitment to alcohol”, the court heard.

Bould also pointed out that Singh has a “significant disability”, asking the judge to take into account the challenges he would encounter behind bars.

Gareth Bellis, defending Gray, contended she belongs in a different category from her co-accused. The Manchester grandmother had previously battled crack cocaine addiction.

She had journeyed to North Wales in a bid to break free from both her drug addiction and abusive relationships, but had “slipped back” into drug use, where she came across Iqbal’s drug runner and subsequently Iqbal himself. Bellis described Gray as a “minion” of Iqbal.

His Honour Judge Simon Mills condemned the defendants in the harshest possible terms, stating that each male defendant had taken part in trips to Manchester or London, targeting the 15 and 14 year old girls as “easy prey”, while further offences were carried out in North Wales.

Addressing Iqbal directly, the judge declared: “I have no doubt you are a dangerous offender (and) you pose a serious risk to young girls.”

Mustafa Iqbal, 43, of Trellewelyn Road, Rhyl, was convicted of four counts of rape, three counts of conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour, three counts of sexual assault, three counts of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, two counts of conspiracy to traffic, conspiracy to supply cannabis to another, conspiracy to supply cocaine to another, supplying cannabis to another, arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation, and breaching a slavery/trafficking risk order.

He received a 30-year custodial sentence for each offence of rape and trafficking for sexual exploitation. He must complete two thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole, with concurrent sentences handed down for his remaining offences.

Mohamed Usman Arshad, 36, from Clifton Grove in Rhyl, was convicted of three counts of rape, two counts of conspiracy to traffic, two counts of conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour, and supplying cannabis to another.

He was handed a 19-year prison term for trafficking and 12 years each for three counts of rape, to run concurrently, alongside further concurrent sentences for his other crimes.

Ziaullah Badshah, 25, from Brighton Road in Rhyl, was found guilty of two counts of rape, two counts of conspiracy to traffic, two counts of conspiracy to require a person to perform compulsory labour and supplying cannabis to another.

He was given a 17-year jail sentence for trafficking, with additional concurrent sentences for the other offences.

Jaswinder Singh, 61, from River Street in Rhyl, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to traffic and one count of supplying cannabis to another.

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He received an eight-year custodial sentence for trafficking, with concurrent terms imposed for the remaining crimes.

Sarah Gray, 53, from Llanasa Road in Gronant, also faced numerous charges connected to her role in the offending.

She was convicted of perverting the course of justice, assisting an offender, conspiracy to supply cocaine to another and conspiracy to supply cannabis to another.

She received a seven-year sentence for a drugs offence and an additional year for perverting the course of justice, with concurrent sentences given for the other charges. Speaking outside court, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Sidney, the senior investigating officer from North Wales Police, said: “The conclusion of this case marks an important moment for the three victims, who have had to live with the consequences of what happened to them for a considerable period of time and continue to do so.

“The sentences imposed today reflect the gravity of the group’s offending and the very serious nature of the crimes committed against these young women.

“These investigations were complex and involved extensive work to understand what had happened, gather evidence, and ensure those responsible were brought before the court.

“I recognise that the criminal justice process can be incredibly difficult for victims of sexual exploitation, particularly when they are required to revisit traumatic experiences. The courage shown by the victims throughout these investigations and the trial that followed has been remarkable.

“I hope that today’s outcome provides them with some sense of justice and allows them to look towards the future with greater confidence.

“Our message to those who target children for sexual exploitation is clear: we will investigate, we will pursue the evidence, and we will work with our partners to hold offenders to account.

“I would also like to thank everyone involved in this investigation, including our specialist officers and staff, partner agencies and the prosecution team, whose work has been instrumental in securing these convictions and sentences.”

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Around 15 caravans and vehicles were reported on the car park off Spinning Jenny Way on today, September 25.

Pictures taken at the site show a number of caravans, vans and cars gathered together across part of the car park.

It is the latest group of Travellers to set up camp in the region, with a Travellers camp currently in Astley Bridge, where the council are working to evict them.

An eye witness at the car park said: “There are several, around 15 caravans and vans parked up.”

The group is understood to have arrived today although it is not yet known how long they intend to remain at the site.

The car park is in a busy part of Leigh, close to shops and other businesses and a short distance from the town centre.

It is not currently clear whether the group has been asked to leave or whether any action is being taken in relation to the encampment.

The arrival of travellers at temporary sites such as car parks is not uncommon, with groups sometimes staying for a short period before moving on.

More information to follow.

President Donald Trump appeared to be dissatisfied with the return of CNN and MS NOW to the White House press corps as reporters shouted questions to him in a flurry as he stood alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Reporters yelled questions as the two heads of state and their wives stood Friday in front of the South Lawn of the White House, the morning after Trump hosted Xi for a lavish state dinner.

The president’s facial expression gave away that he was annoyed to have the press back shouting questions during their exchange, as the bulk of this state visit has been undertaken without pool coverage as a result of the ban, which was overturned by a DC judge on Thursday.

“Mr. President, did you call on President Xi to stop buying oil from Iran?” one reporter shouted. Another yelled, “Why are you banning media outlets?” None of the parties responded.

Another reporter asked, “Should U.S. taxpayers pay for ads about you, Mr. President?” in response to a campaign-style ad that the U.S. government released that played on Fox News earlier this week, which promoted how his administration would “defeat communism, socialism and Marxism.”

Last week, Trump attempted to ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House, “as a result of their constant ‘reporting’ FAKE NEWS.”

“Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America. Other Fake News Media Outlets to follow,” he said at the time.

Trump would later verbally attack CNN White House reporter Kaitlan Collins when she tried to ask him a question when he visited the United Nations. The decision to ban journalists led to major television networks to halt their coverage of the White House.

The White House would respond by creating Trump TV, but the feed received low ratings. US District Judge Tim Kelly later ordered the White House to lift its ban on the outlets.

The Trump administration would later reluctantly reinstate the credentials for the three outlets. But reporters said they were blocked from covering Xi’s arrival at the state dinner.

Still, despite all of the criticism of media coverage, president would praise coverage from the press during a tea meeting with first lady Melania Trump, Xi and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan.

“We’ve made great strides very positive for both countries,” he said. “So thank you very much. And we appreciate the fair coverage. It’s been very fair. We appreciate it.”

The president had hosted Xi for a summit to discuss AI. The president has attempted to rebrand AI as “super intelligence,” saying that there need not be any major guardrails for it. On Friday, he posted on Truth Social that Xi agreed with him.

“Tremendous things will be happening. Like almost everyone else, he seemed to like calling the poorly and inaccurately named Artificial Intelligence to a far more accurate and important name, SUPER INTELLIGENCE. That would be ‘SUPER!’”

By PERKIN AMALARAJ, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER and WILL HALLOWELL, NEWS REPORTER

Published: 12:48 BST, 25 September 2026 | Updated: 17:30 BST, 25 September 2026

Below is a full list of the charges City are alleged to have breached…

1. In respect of each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those seasons that required provision by a member club to the Premier League, in the utmost good faith, of accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position, in particular with respect to its revenue (including sponsorship revenue), its related parties and its operating costs, namely:(a) for Season 2009/10, Premier League Rules B.13, C.71, C.72, C.75 (amended to C.79 from 10 September 2009 for the remainder of Season 2009/10) and C.80;(b) for Season 2010/11, Premier League Rules B.13, C.78, C.79, C.86 and C.87;(c) for Season 2011/12, Premier League Rules B.13, E.3, 4, E.11 and E.12;(d) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11 and E.12;(e) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rules 15, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.49;(f) for Season 2014/15, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;(g) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules 16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.50;(h) for Season 2016/17, Premier League Rules16, E.3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51; and(i) for Season 2017/18, Premier League Rules B.16, 3, E.4, E.11, E.12 and E.51.

2. In respect of:(a) each of Seasons 2009/10 to 2012/13 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of manager remuneration in its relevant contracts with its manager, namely:(1) for Seasons 2009/10 to 2011/12 inclusive, Premier League Rules Q.7 and Q.8; and(2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules P.7 and P.8; and(b) each of Seasons 2010/11 to 2015/16 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to include full details of player remuneration in its relevant contracts with its players, namely:(1) for Seasons 2010/11 and 2011/12, Premier League Rules K.12 and K.20;(2) for Season 2012/13, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.20;(3) for Seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15, Premier League Rules T.12 and T.19; and(4) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules T.13 and T.20.

3. In respect of each of Seasons 2013/14 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons requiring a member club to comply with UEFA’s regulations, including UEFA’s Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations, namely:(a) for Season 2013/14, Premier League Rule B.14.6; and(b) for Seasons 2014/15 to 2017/18 inclusive, Premier League Rule B.15.6.

4. In respect of each of the Seasons 2015/16 to 2017/18 inclusive, the Premier League Rules applicable in those Seasons on Profitability and Sustainability, namely:(a) for Season 2015/16, Premier League Rules E.52 to E.60; and(b) for Seasons 2016/17 and 2017/18, Premier League Rules E.53 to E.60.

5. In respect of the period from December 2018 to date, the Premier League Rules applicable in the relevant Seasons requiring a member club to cooperate with, and assist, the Premier League in its investigations, including by providing documents and information to the Premier League in the utmost good faith, namely:(a) for Season 2018/19, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;(b) for Season 2019/20, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;(c) for Season 2020/21, Premier League Rules B.16, B.19, W.1, W.2, W.12 and W.13;(d) for Season 2021/22, Premier League Rules B.15, B.18, W.1, W.2, W.15 and W.16; and(e) for Season 2022/23, Premier League Rules B.15, B.18, W.1, W.2, W.15 and W.16. Commissions are independent of the Premier League and member clubs. The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel, in accordance with Premier League Rules W.19, W.20 and W.26.

The proceedings before the Commission will, in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82, be confidential and heard in private. Under Premier League Rule W.82.2, the Commission’s final award will be published on the Premier League’s website.

This confirmation is made in accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1. The Premier League will be making no further comment in respect of this matter until further notice.

What is the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1?

The Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 is one of the brand’s more straightforward fans. There’s no humidifying or heating here, just a focus on cooling and air purification.

True to Dyson’s design ethos, the Purifier Cool PC1 is bladeless, which makes it safe around kids and pets, and easy to clean. The tower fan uses the company’s renowned technology to project a smooth stream of air, with 10 speed settings and a 350-degree oscillation range that circulates air evenly throughout the room. It’s relatively compact and lightweight, too. 

The remote control magnetically attaches to the top of the fan but you can also control the device using the MyDyson companion app.

While it doesn’t offer all the extras of Dyson’s more expensive air purifiers, it’s a solid option if you want reliable cooling without any fuss, which is why it’s our Best Buy Dyson fan.

JUMP TO:

I’ve been testing the Dyson Purifier Cool PC1 in my home office, a small-to-medium-sized room that felt more like a sauna than a workplace during the recent heatwaves. While I wasn’t precisely measuring its air purification qualities (you can find that review on our best Dyson fan round-up), the windows open onto a main road so I was able to test out its ability to handle a steady stream of traffic fumes, dust and general pollution drifting in.

I used the fan over several weeks to see how it performs on a day-to-day basis, assessing all of the usual metrics: how well it cools the room, how quiet it is during use, how intuitive the controls are and whether the design fits into a regular living or working space. And finally, as Dyson is known for its premium pricing, is the Purifier Cool PC1 worth the outlay?

Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended

Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don’t accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles.

All reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more.

Score: 9/10

Need to know

Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 charges relating to Premier League financial regulation breaches

Manchester City’s relegation odds after 115 charges verdict:

1. Guilty charges – Manchester City have been found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges that the Premier League levied against them. The verdict comes three-and-a-half years after City first learned they were accused of the breaches of the top-flight’s financial regulations.
2. Relegation odds – Betfair have slashed City’s odds of 11/1 to be relegated in the current campaign to 9/2 after news of the verdict broke. The drastic change in odds now leaves Enzo Maresca’s side with an 18% chance of dropping to the Championship.
3. Title odds fade – The Premier League giants had odds of 6/5 to win the Premier League after enjoying a stunning start with five wins in five games, leaving them top of the table. However, news of the guilty charges has shortened their title-winning odds to 5/2.
4. Potential sanctions – While punishments have yet to be decided, the league leaders could face a fine, be handed a points deduction or even face expulsion from the Premier League. The shocking news has come just three months into Enzo Maresca’s reign as boss.
5. Sixth favourites for the drop: City are now the sixth favourites to be relegated from the Premier League this season behind Coventry, Hull, Ipswich, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

Premier League relegation odds via Betfair

Coventry – 8/15

Hull – 10/11

Ipswich – 6/4

Crystal Palace – 12/5

Fulham – 3/1

Man City – 7/2

Sunderland – 9/2

Nottingham Forest – 9/1

Tottenham – 9/1

Aston Villa – 15/1

Newcastle – 15/1

Bournemouth – 15/1

READ MORE: Man City GUILTY on 114 of 115 charges as club prepare appeal against verdict

A huge explosion, believed to have been caused by a suspected gas leak, has caused a two-storey building to collapse close to the Acropolis in Athens

Five individuals, including three tourists, are feared missing in Athens following a massive explosion that brought down a two-storey structure near the Acropolis. The blast tore through the area amid suspicions of a gas leak, causing the frontage of a 20th century property to crumble.

Emergency services, including police, paramedics and firefighters, rushed to Lysicratous Street – mere minutes from the Acropolis – shortly after 7.30am local time this morning, approximately 5.30am BST, with the vicinity swiftly sealed off. The explosion reportedly triggered a blaze, according to eKathimerini.

The Greek fire service confirmed five individuals are unaccounted for, the Mirror reports. Shocked witnesses observed debris scattered across the narrow thoroughfares.

Meanwhile, plumes of smoke billowed from the scene, while shattered windows and damaged vehicles littered the area surrounding the stricken building. The fire brigade revealed it had pulled two women from the structure in Plaka, amongst the Greek capital’s most ancient districts.

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Both casualties were transported to hospital. The fire service stated 24 firefighters were deployed to the incident, though stopped short of confirming what triggered the explosion.

The blast is thought to have resulted from a suspected gas leak, ERT reports. Neighbouring properties close to the explosion site also sustained damage, fire service sources indicated.

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