Cases dropped against 14 after Crewe religious community police raids
They were previously charged with obstructing police during raids
Fourteen residents of a religious community who were charged with obstructing police during raids have had the cases against them discontinued.
More than 500 officers took part in the warrants at three addresses linked to the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Crewe, Cheshire, on April 29 as part of an investigation into alleged sexual abuse, forced marriage and modern slavery.
In June, 24 people appeared at South Cheshire Magistrates’ Court charged with public order offences alleged to have happened when the raids were carried out.
The prosecution had alleged residents obstructed officers from getting into rooms at Webb House, the group’s headquarters, some by linking arms to try and stop them getting past.
A case management hearing had been due to take place on Tuesday ahead of trials next year, but on Monday a court official confirmed cases against 14 of the defendants had been discontinued.
Those who will no longer face trial are:
– Onur Aydin, 37, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Myrah Hashem, 27, who pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with a section 35 direction.
– Dareem Charles, 36, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Hussein Khadum, 19, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Marc Ferreira, 38, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Gustavio Ruiz-Quinteros, 34, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Sarah Batul, 33, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Diniy Sisyam, 20, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Maryham Marfoug, 32, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Hatem Sider, 42, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Mohammed Hiary, 33, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Tahani Hashem, 28, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Taymour Elalfy, 38, who pleaded not guilty to obstructing a constable.
– Mohamed Ayob, 38, who pleaded not guilty to assaulting a police officer.
The other defendants will face trial next April.
The police investigation into alleged offences in the religious community is ongoing and 14 people remain on conditional bail after being arrested, a spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary confirmed.