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| Detective Supt. Debbie Platt |
The ringleaders of a gang which groomed and abused teenage girls in Derby, England have been given indeterminate jail terms.
Mohammed Liaqat, 28, and Abid Saddique, 27, were found guilty at a trial in November of charges including rape.
At Nottingham Crown Court, Saddique was jailed for at least 11 years and Liaqat for a minimum of eight.
Many of the gang's victims were given alcohol or drugs before being forced to have sex in cars, rented houses or hotels across the Midlands.
Six other men have already been sentenced for their part in the abuse.
'Sexual predators'A seventh man was cleared of sex charges but pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Derbyshire Police Det Supt Debbie Platt said the two men were "sexual predators" who were looking for sexual gratification.
She praised the victims for coming forward and said that "without their bravery we would not have seen the outcome we saw today".
Liaqat, of Briar Lea Close, Sinfin, was found guilty of one count of rape, two of sexual assault, aiding and abetting rape, affray and four counts of sexual activity with a child.
Saddique, of Northumberland Street, Normanton, was convicted of four counts of rape as well as two counts of false imprisonment, two of sexual assault, three charges of sexual activity with a child, perverting the course of justice and aiding and abetting rape.
There were 26 girls involved in the case, with the youngest 12 and the oldest 18.
Derbyshire Police said the girls were from a variety of backgrounds and urged all parents to be aware of the risks of sexual exploitation.
A report published after the gang was convicted said there were "missed opportunities" by agencies to help the girls.
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