West Yorkshire Police announce twenty men convicted for child abuse in West Yorkshire

West Yorkshire police recently announced that twenty men have been prosecuted for child sexual abuse since 2021. The police investigation leading to the arrests is believed to be the largest into grooming gangs in West Yorkshire, which saw a previous wave of fifteen prosecutions against perpetrators of child sexual offences in 2016. 

The twenty men recently convicted faced were all found to have sexually abused at least one of four girls, then aged twelve to sixteen and who remain anonymous, between 2001 and 2010. Allegations of abuse began to be made against the men in 2016, following which a number of police investigations were launched. 

In a series of trials starting in October 2021, twenty men were found guilty of sexual offences against children as a result of the girls’ testimony. 

Of the convicted men, one of whom has since died in prison, each was found guilty of rape, with one additionally charged with supplying a Class C drug. They face a combined sentence of 2019 years imprisonment.

Speaking about the convictions, Detective Chief Inspector Claire Smith explained that ‘due to legal restrictions, it has not been possible to publicise these outcomes until now’, the trials having concluded earlier this year. 

‘I welcome the sentences handed to these offenders for the abhorrent abuse these young girls were subjected to’, added DCI Smith. ‘I want to acknowledge the sheer courage of the victims and survivors in each of these investigations – not only for having the bravery to come forward initially but also for enduring the criminal justice system and the weight of criminal trials’. 

It is never too late to seek help or report child sexual abuse. Being abused at any age can have a lifelong impact for survivors and their families, and takes great courage to acknowledge. 

If you or someone you know has experienced rape or sexual abuse, there is support available: 

• Rape Crisis offer support to individuals affected by sexual abuse and rape across England and Wales (0808 802 9999), Scotland (0808 801 0302) and Northern Ireland (0800 0246 991). 
• West Yorkshire Victim Support offer support to victims of abuse in West Yorkshire. They can be contacted at 01274 535432.
• The Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (KCRASAC) provides advice and therapeutic counselling for victims of sexual abuse or violence in West Yorkshire. They operate a helpline and anonymous web chat service. They also offer help and support to children experiencing abuse, through their sister organisation the Child and Young Person Service (CHYPS).