A woman who was sexually exploited as a child, after being provided to other men by someone she knew in exchange for money and smokes, has finally attained justice.
The victim’s upbringing was marred by enduring violent rape and sexual assault for six years. It has been suggested that the paedophiles’ family and friends were aware of their heinous crimes against children.
She has finally attained justice following the conviction of four men for several historical rapes and indecent attacks.
On Friday, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court convicted the men of 37 offences committed over a span of six years.
The transgressions perpetrated by Colin Ankers, 50, of Waterville Road, North Shields; Philip Taylor, 65, of Whiteley Avenue, Sowerby, West Yorkshire; Darren Smith, 41, of Irene Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent; and Paul Cavner, 60, of Crofton Street, Blyth, were characterised as ‘heinous and vicious’ by the presiding judge.
The four paedophiles refuted the allegations levelled against them.
Northumbria Police say a man who was known to the victim at the time would offer her to the other men for sexual purposes in return for money, cigarettes and alcohol.
Colin Ankers was found guilty of 14 counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault.
Philip Taylor was found guilty of three counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault.
Darren Smith was found guilty of five counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault.
Paul Cavner was found guilty of one count of rape and one count of indecent assault. He was found not guilty of one other count of indecent assault.
Judge Tim Gittins said: “You have been convicted of heinous and wicked crimes against the victim. You will be produced at court on July 18 where you will receive substantial prison sentences but in the meantime will be remanded in custody.”
Detective Constable Jaclyn Younger, of Northumbria Police’s Safeguarding Department, hopes that the outcome will help the victim overcome some of the horrific abuse she has suffered.
She said: “This victim has been an absolute pillar of strength by standing up to the men who abused her as a child.
“This woman has suffered much of her childhood by being brutally raped and assaulted and this has undoubtedly had a huge impact on her as an adult as well.
“She can hold her head high and know by speaking out she has made a difference and can now hopefully move on with her life.
“I hope the verdict gives anyone out there suffering in silence the strength to come forward and know that it is never too late to report to police.”
The victim wrote to Detective Constable Younger during the trial to thank her for her support and was pleased she came forward to police, regardless of the outcome at court.
The victim said: “No matter what the verdict, I’ve done this for me and only me, no one else, so I can move on. Can’t thank you and your team enough for all you have done, the support and not judging me and being just brilliant. Thank you so much.
“You and your team deserve the recognition for all of the hours of hard work and help and support you have given as without it I couldn’t have done it.”
If you have been a victim of rape, sexual assault or exploitation, whether this is recent or historic, please come forward and contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline contact 03333448283 or find out more about our Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.
Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800 011 3116 who will give independent advice and support.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.