Some of the main perpetrators in the Newcastle sexual exploitation gang have been jailed for almost 50 years as the Operation Shelter sentencing entered its second day.

Live update from the Chronicle Below: top row left to right Habibur Rahim, Abdul Sabe, bottom row left to right Mohibur Rahman, Badrul Hussain.

Habibur Rahim, 34, of Friar’s Way, Fenham, was jailed for 29 years for two counts of conspiracy to incite prostitution for gain, human trafficking, rape, two counts of trafficking for sexual exploitation, four counts of supplying MCAT and two counts of supplying cannabis.

Abdul Sabe, 40, of Dean House, Walker, was sentenced for 12 years’ jail for conspiracy to traffic for sexual exploitation, conspiracy to incite prostitution for gain, conspiracy to sexual assault, two counts of supplying cannabis, two counts of offering to supply cannabis and possessing cannabis.

Mohibur Rahman, 44, of no fixed address, was jailed for four-and-a-half years for conspiracy to incite prostitution for gain, permitting premises to be used for the supply of MCAT, three counts of supplying MCAT. Conspiracy to incite prostitution for gain. Mohibur Rahman is currently serving 12 years for two counts of wounding with intent, a sentence imposed in February this year.

Badrul Hussain, 37, of Drybeck Court, Newcastle was sentenced to four years for permitting premises to be used for the supply of cocaine, MCAT and cannabis and supply of MCAT.

In his police interview for the Operation Shelter offences, Rahman said:

“You can’t control your white kids, that’s what I observe in this country.”

He then threatened to punch any girls who made allegations against him.

Kate Dodds, for Rahman, says the fact he made racist comments in “pressured situations” does not mean his involvement in this case was “driven by concerns of race”.

Judge Penny Moreland reprimanded the defendants in the dock.

She said:

“I wonder if the defendants could behave themselves properly in court. They are yawning, stretching and talking.”