21 people convicted of ‘appalling’ roles in ‘network of child sex abusers’
Twenty-one people have now been convicted after the biggest investigation by West Midlands Police into child sexual abuse in the force’s history.
The crimes by a “network of child abusers” took place against seven victims, who were aged 12 and younger, spanning a period of nearly a decade in Walsall and Wolverhampton.
Prosecutors said the offenders carried out “the most appalling catalogue of sexual abuse of the utmost gravity” which caused their victims “physical harm and extreme psychological harm”.
A police officer involved in the investigation said the “systematic” abuse was “some of the most shocking I have seen in my career”.
The offences were uncovered by Operation Satchel after concerns were raised when one of the victims went to hospital with a suspicious injury.
The third and final of three trials has now concluded, with a total of 13 people jailed and four other people due to be sentenced.
Prison terms ranged from life to 28 months, while four of those convicted received non-custodial terms.
In the first trial, which ended last May, among those convicted was James Evans, 38, who was jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years after being found guilty of 20 child sexual abuse offences.
Also, 34-year-old Mark Smith was sentenced to 19 years behind bars with an extended licence period of six years after being found guilty of four child sex abuse offences.
In the second trial, which concluded in February this year, nine people were convicted including Tracey Baker, 41, who was jailed for 16 years for five child sex abuse offences.
Also, 41-year-old David Baker was sentenced to 21 years in jail, including one year on licence, for seven child sex abuse offences.
In the third trial, which has just ended, Matthew Evans, 32, John Griffiths, 66, and Violet Griffiths, 66, were found guilty of multiple child sexual abuse offences at Wolverhampton Crown Court. They will be sentenced next month.
Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Drover said a large team of officers investigated the allegations for more than half a decade, uncovering “systematic abuse that has to be some of the most shocking I have seen in my career”.
Joanne Jakymec, chief crown prosecutor, said: “The offenders in this case perpetrated the most appalling catalogue of sexual abuse of the utmost gravity causing the victims physical harm and extreme psychological harm.
“With the exception of one of the offenders who admitted what they had done, none of the rest have shown the slightest remorse.”
She praised the “bravery” of victims and witnesses, adding “without their support it would not have been possible for the prosecution team to convict this large network of child abusers”.
