Sex abuse trial: Three more decline to give evidence

THREE more men accused of sexual offences in the Rochdale abuse trial will not be giving evidence, jurors have heard.

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The two alleged victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claim they were sexually abused in Rochdale between 2001 and 2006.

The complainants, identified as Girl A and Girl B, both gave evidence in court during the trial.

Jurors have heard the seven men on trial were mainly either taxi drivers or market stall traders in the town.

The girls were 'passed around' for sex before being 'discarded,' it is alleged. The defendants deny all the allegations.

Jurors in the trial are expected to hear evidence from two of the seven accused.

Mohammed Zahid's lawyer previously confirmed he would not be giving evidence.

Kasir Bashir, another defendant, is not present in court and is being tried in his absence.

Lawyers for Roheez Khan, Nisar Hussain and Mohammed Shahzad said their clients would not be entering the witness box to speak in their defence.