Brothers jailed for sexually abusing girls
Cumbria PoliceThree brothers who abused girls as young as six have been jailed.
They had denied a total of 62 offences, dating between 1996 and 2012 and carried out in Barrow and Leeds, but were convicted following a trial at Preston Crown Court in October.
Shaha Amran Miah, 49, of Bismarck Street, Leeds and 38-year-old Shaha Joman Miah, of Rowland Terrace, also Leeds, were both given life sentences and will each serve a minimum of 22 years.
Shaha Alman Miah, 47, of Warmsworth Road, Doncaster, received an extended sentence of 14 years, with at least 10 of those to be spent in prison.
The court heard that the victims were groomed and given gifts, alcohol and cigarettes, and were threatened with physical violence if they told anyone what was happening to them.
Judge Unsworth said the men were "very high risk" and had taken away the childhood of their victims.
"I am satisfied each of you acted in a predatory and paedophilic manner.
"You saw your victims as vehicles to be used and abused at will, you treated them with utter contempt", he said.
During the trial prosecutors characterised the brothers as "Team Miah", putting family loyalty before the truth, each backing their brothers' denials and trying to discredit witnesses.
Passing sentence, Judge Unsworth added: "You were each aware at different times of each other's sexual proclivities and conduct.
"The bonds that tie you three together are strong and it would appear, unbreakable."
He also ordered them to sign the sex offenders register for life, comply with sexual harm prevention orders and barred them from contacting their victims.
'Long and complex'
Speaking after the sentencings, Det Ch Insp John Graham-Cumming, of Cumbria Police, said it had been a "long and complex investigation" involving officers in other areas of the country.
"The defendants preyed on young girls and also used threats of violence to warn them off reporting what was occurring to the authorities," he said.
"The victims and witnesses in this case have shown bravery and courage throughout."