The leader of a Rochdale youth gang has been freed.

The leader of a Rochdale charity which targeted girls as young as 12 has been freed.

It was Shabir Ahmed, who was called ‘Father’ by the victims. In August 2012, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison For sexual offenses against children, including rape.

This week the victims were told they would be released on licence, and despite earlier promises, they could not be deported due to the 55-year-old law.

The BBC now reports the 73-year-old has been released from prison early and is now safely wearing an electronic GPS-monitored tag.