Police hunt on-the-run child rapist from Rochdale paedophile gang

This news story beggars belief, what was the trial judge thinking? 

'A child rapist jailed for 19 years for his role in a Rochdale paedophile gang has been on the run for more than four months and is feared to have fled to Pakistan.

Choudry Ikhalaq Hussain, 38, was sentenced to imprisonment in his absence on Friday for rape, sexual activity with a child and conspiracy to rape.

But Hussain, who was part of a 10-strong child abuse ring all of whom were of Pakistani and Bangladeshi heritage, absconded during his trial last November and police believe he is now in hiding abroad.

During the trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court Hussain claimed a family member had died.He was given permission by the judge to attend the funeral - which he had said was due to be held in Britain.

However, Hussain never returned to court.'

Unbelievable? Actually, and worryingly, it's not. 

More here http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/08/police-hunt-on-the-run-child-rapist-from-rochdale-paedophile-gan/ but likely not on the BBC.