Eight white females are among 21 members of a child sex ring who have been convicted over the ‘abhorrent and cruel’ abuse of children who were no older than 12.
The gang subjected seven victims to horrific abuse spanning more than a decade in Wolverhampton and Walsall.
Their depraved offending was uncovered when a hospital visit by one victim sparked concerns leading to the largest ever child sex abuse case investigated by West Midlands Police.
The sheer number of defendants meant three separate trials were held, in which a court heard how the children were subjected ‘systematic sexual abuse’. Of the 21 offenders involved, 13 have so far been jailed for sentences totalling more than 145 years at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Reporting restrictions were in place until the verdict of the third trial yesterday, which saw the conviction of three further defendants.
Jurors were told how the sex ring came to light in 2017, leading to 70 suspects being interviewed. Officers worked with Social Services to safeguard the children and uncover what had happened to them at the hands of their male and female abusers.
Detectives investigating the case described it as one of the most difficult and complex they had ever worked on.
Head of the investigation, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Drover, said: ‘This has been a challenging and complex investigation, and the biggest of its kind I have known for the force.
‘But at the heart of it has been seven children who suffered the most abhorrent and cruel abuse, not just physically but psychologically, leaving them in extreme trauma.
‘Their welfare has been at the heart of this investigation and support for them will continue for many years to come.
‘I commend their bravery in being able to tell us about their abuse.
‘I am grateful to everyone who worked so hard to get justice for them, and the jurors who had to listen to such a catalogue of depravity to reach their verdict.
‘We have improved the way we work in the Public Protection Unit over recent years putting victims at the heart of our investigations, and this case has given us valuable learning to keep improving.
‘I hope that this conviction shows that we are determined to bring offenders to justice and anyone who has suffered or is still suffering sexual abuse should not be afraid to tell someone, either to police, a teacher, a doctor or anyone else they feel they can trust.
‘We have specialist officers who are trained to help and we work with many partners and charities who can offer support.’
The pedophile gang, named:
Of the 21, four are yet to be sentenced on 12 May 2023. They are:
- Matthew Evans, 32, found guilty of two child sexual abuse related crimes
- John Griffiths, 66, found guilty of two child sexual abuse related crimes
- Violet Griffiths, 66, found guilty of two child sexual abuse related crimes
- Natasha Webb, 37, gave evidence for the Crown in all three trials. She is due to be sentenced at the conclusion of the third trial
In trial one:
- James Evans, 38, was found guilty of 20 child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment with minimum term of 18 years. Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
- Kirsty Webb, 36, was found guilty of five child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to ten years imprisonment. SHPO for 30 years. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
- Mark Smith, 34, was found guilty of four child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to 19 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 6 years (total of 25 years). SHPO for 30 years. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
- Pamela Howells, 58, was found guilty of three child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to seven years imprisonment. SHPO for 15 years. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
- Lee Webb, 40, was found guilty of three child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to six years imprisonment. SHPO for 30 years. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
- Ann Marie Clare, 43, was found guilty of four child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to eight years imprisonment with an extended licence period of three years (total of 11 years). SHPO for 30 years. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
- Dean Webb, 35, was found not fit to plead and the jury decided that he had committed the acts alleged. He was given a supervision order for two years. SHPO imposed for 40 years.
- Stephen Webb, 65, was also found not fit to plead and the jury decided that he had committed the acts alleged. He was given an absolute discharge.
In trial two:
- Tracey Baker, 41, was found guilty of five child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to 16 years custody, SHPO and Restraining Order in relation to all of the complainants. Both orders to last until further order. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims.
- David Baker, 41, was found guilty of seven child sexual abuse related crimes and was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment (including an extra year on extended licence). Restraining Order and SHPO granted indefinitely.
- Luke Baker, 22, was found guilty of two child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to two years and four months. Restraining Order to last until further order and a SHPO for 15 years.
- David Evans, 72, was found guilty of two child sexual abuse related crimes and was sentenced to three years six months imprisonment. Restraining Order and SHPO granted indefinitely.
- Jane Evans, 71, was found not fit to plead and the jury decided that she had committed the acts alleged and was sentenced to a Supervision Order and SHPO granted.
- Philip Wellington, 50, was found guilty of three child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to nine years custody, SHPO and Restraining Order in relation to all of the complainants. Both orders to last until further order.
- Natalie Wellington, 44, was found guilty of four child sexual abuse related crimes and was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment (including an extra year on extended licence). Restraining Order and SHPO granted indefinitely.
- Jason Evans, 25, was found guilty of three child sexual abuse related crimes and sentenced to two years and six months. Restraining order to last until further order and a SHPO for 15 years.
- Ryan Evans, 23, was found guilty of one child sexual abuse related crime and was sentenced to a community order for three years. Restraining order to last until further order and a SHPO for 15 years.
A report into what took place which will include ‘lessons to be learned’ is being co-ordinated by Walsall Safeguarding Children’s Board.
Joanne Jakymec, CPS 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.’
Mr Drover praised the victims, some of whom are now adults, for coming forward.
He said that they had suffered ‘shocking and abhorrent’ abuse, adding: ‘They have been through a significant amount of trauma.
‘It has had a significant and ongoing impact on their physical and mental wellbeing.
‘To get the confidence to come forward and talk to care professionals, to police is huge. I am genuinely thankful, and also to the juries involved in this.
‘The safeguarding of children is at the forefront of police, of health workers, of school teachers, this to me is a perfect example of how we work together to bring a significant case to the stage where… offenders will be found guilty of significant crimes and receive up to life terms in prison.
‘This is an ask from me, for those subject to sexual harm to have the confidence to come forward, talk to teachers, nurses and doctors, police officers, tell us what is going on.
‘We spent several years on this investigation, and we continued to run this until we got to the conclusion we have seen.
‘So I am hoping this gives some confidence[to those victims] out there to come forward to talk to professionals.’
And Senior Investigating Officer Joanne Floyd, who spent six years working on the case, said that the team endured a ‘difficult’ journey in exposing the pedophile gang.
Ms Floyd said: ‘Our hearts go out to the victims. From a personal perspective I want to stress how difficult this journey has been and how much courage these young people have shown. It’s a particularly sad case and no one has been left unaffected, whether directly involved or working as a professional.
‘It will remain with us.’
Sally Hodges, Independent chair of Walsall Safeguarding Partnership, praised the victims on their ‘courage and bravery’ in coming forward, saying that they ‘should be be commended and our collective thoughts are very much with them on their journey of rebuilding their lives’.
She continued to say: ‘These sad, and frankly horrific, events happened many years ago. Local agencies continue to support and care for several children and young people who were affected, and they have provided stability, care and safe homes which has helped the children build trust and be able to confide in professionals.
‘This investigation highlights what can be achieved when partner agencies work together. As a Safeguarding Partnership we always want to learn and develop and we will support all agencies to ensure that we continue to review and strengthen multi-agency arrangements. We are committed to protecting children and young people across the borough.’
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