GIRLS LEFT AT MERCY OF SEX ABUSE GANGS
Major failures by council & police, report shows
GIRLS were left at the mercy of paedophile gangs due to shocking failures by police and council officials, a damning report reveals.
It highlights serious errors of leadership where authorities ignored the control the groomers had over victims.
So far, 42 men have been convicted for the abuse of 13 children in Rochdale, Gtr Manchester. But yesterday’s report said this merely scratched the surface and identified 96 other men who may still be a risk to youngsters.
The report states: “Children were left at the mercy of their abusers because of an inadequate response by police and children’s social care.”
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, who commissioned the report, said: “It is only by facing up fully to what happened that we can be sure of bringing the whole system culture change needed when it comes to protecting children from abuse.”
Yesterday’s report, which covers 2004 to 2013 and was led by protection specialist Malcolm Newsam, concluded the Rochdale abuse was known by managers in the police and children’s social care but not given sufficient priority. It said: “We regard this as a lamentable strategic failure.”
Rochdale Council leader Neil Emmott said: “We are deeply sorry the people who were at Rochdale Council during the period did not recognise the very serious failures that affected the lives of children.”
GMP Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: “It remains a matter of profound regret that victims were failed by GMP.”
Ex-NHS health worker Sara Rowbotham had raised the systematic abuse by Asian men of girls as young as 13 in Rochdale. But she was ignored. In 2010, more than two years after first being told of the abuse, GMP launched Operation Span. A trial heard girls as young as 12 were plied with alcohol and raped. Ms Rowbotham said: “Everything being done now, should have been done then. All it would have taken is the right people giving a damn.” The scandal was depicted in 2017 TV drama Three Girls, starring Maxine Peake as Ms Rowbotham and Lesley Sharp as ex-police officer Maggie Oliver, who also tried to report the gang’s abuse. Ms Oliver said: “I am angry that not one senior officer or official has ever been held individually responsible for these failures, lies and cover-ups.”
It is only by facing up to what happened that we can be sure of protecting children
ANDY BURNHAM GREATER MANCHESTER METRO MAYOR