Woman rapist led gang of paedophiles for a decade

A WOMAN masterminded a paedophile ring in which children were used as ‘sexual playthings’ for more than a decade.

Marie Black, 34, arranged ‘sex parties’ where the youngsters were abused by adults and made to have sex with each other. Card games were played to decide who would abuse which child.

During a three-month trial, jurors heard the abuse, which took place in Norwich and London, became so routine that the five victims came to accept it as normal.

Black, pictured, claimed she had been ‘stitched up’ as she was found guilty of 23 charges yesterday, including rape, conspiracy to rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Michael Rogers, 53, of Romford, Essex, and Jason Adams, 43, of Norwich, were found guilty of 27 similar offences between them. Judge Nicholas Coleman remanded all three i n custody f or sentencing.

Carol Stadler, 59, of Norwich, was released on bail after she was cleared of nine charges but convicted of causing actual bodily harm. Two men and four women – aged between 31 and 85 – were cleared on all counts.

During the trial at Norwich Crown Court, prosecutor Angela Rafferty, QC, said the children became ‘sexual playthings’.

They were preyed upon over a period beginning around 15 years ago. Allegations were first reported to Norfolk Police in 2010 but it was not until 2013, after further evidence became available, that arrests were made. It led to ten people being charged with 101 offences last year.

All the defendants denied the abuse, saying it did not occur.

Outside court yesterday, Chief Inspector Pete Hornby described the case as ‘sickening’. He added: ‘These children were subjected to sexual abuse beyond most people’s imagination.

‘Marie Black has been found to be at the centre of this abuse. She thought they would never speak out. Today’s verdict is testament to the children’s bravery.’