THE victims of two brothers who sexually abused vulnerable teenage girls have spoken out about how they were groomed.

Muhammad and Hashim Hussain, aged 20 and 24 respectively, were sentenced last week at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after being unanimously convicted by a jury of sex offences between August 2016 and August 2017.

The court heard how the brothers, both of South Cross Street, Bury, groomed the victims, aged 14 and 15 at the start of the offending, by offering them alcohol and buying them gifts in exchange for sexual acts.

Muhammad was found guilty of twice raping one of the girls in August 2016 as well as one count of taking an indecent image of the same victim later that year in December, and sexual assaulting another girl in August 2017.

He has been sentenced to six years and two months in a youth offender's prison and has to sign the sex offenders' register for life.

His brother, Hashim, was also convicted after the four-week trial of two counts of taking an indecent image of a child, and two counts of possessing an indecent image of a child, all in 2017. He has been jailed for four years.

The arrests followed a three-year investigation by GMP which focused on two local parks in the town and initially resulted in 14 suspects being arrested.

Both of Muhammad's victims have now spoken publicly about their experiences and urged girls in a similar situation to approach the police and tell them what is going on.

Speaking about the abuse, one said: "You just think its normal because you're so young and you don't really know the world and know about this stuff enough to know that it actually is wrong and you can speak up.

"I always just wanted to keep it to myself instead of talking about it. Whereas when I have now actually spoke about it I am really relieved and it's a massive weight off my shoulders.

"I can now look back and see that I was being groomed. Things like one of them wanted to be in control all the time. He used to say I was his girl. He gave me bracelets, and if one of the other ones touched me he wanted it to be in his way and not in their way. He wanted to be in control of that.

"Other things are like, they would buy alcohol, you'd be drinking but they wouldn't be drinking. They'd still be on the first glass whilst you're on the second bottle."

Much of the brother's behaviour was centred around Openshaw Park with girls encouraged to perform sexual acts while older men stood around and cheered and even filmed their actions.

The other victim said: "One of the main things was being plied with alcohol, gifts, cigarettes, getting them to buy you a bottle of wine. Things like that. But they weren't just a friendly gesture. They were manipulative gifts in exchange for sexual acts that at the time I didn't piece together.

"It's preying on vulnerability. I don't think it was a surprise they specifically picked on me and my friend because we were vulnerable. We didn't appear to be the most strong-minded."

Both girls were threatened if they spoke about the brother's behaviour and were told they would be shamed publicly if word got out.

"They said things like, 'I'll tell your mum, I'll tell your other friends, they'll see you as a slag, they'll see you as a whore'. Loads of insults that would stop me from speaking out for a long time. Because they were older than me they were able to manipulate me, thinking I would never tell anybody.

"Initially I didn't have much faith in this because I have seen how the police have treated groom gangs in the past. But it has created a career decision for me. I want to be a prosecution barrister specifically in child sexual exploitation cases. It just makes me feel a little bit better that every single grooming gang that is caught or every abuser, that its another one that isn't there abusing people."

The girl who was raped by Muhammad when she was just 14-years-old, added: "I know it's hard, I know it's scary and it is a long process, but speak up, it is the best thing you can ever do. Even if you just talk about it that gives you so much relief.

"One of the things I was scared about was it going to court and it not going anywhere, like they could get away with it, and that would destroy me more. But honestly, the police help you out so much. Like as well as the counsellors your mum and dad will support you. Knowing that someone believes you is the best thing.

"I'd spoken to a few friends of my age about what happened and they all used to tell me I was lying. But then after getting involved with the police I started to realise that I am actually a victim."

If you have been affected by this case please contact GMP Bury's Complex Safeguarding Hub on 0161 856 4484. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.