21 evil faces behind 'biggest-ever' child sex abuse ring jailed for 145 years
Here are the 21 evil faces behind one of the biggest ever child sex abuse rings as they’re jailed for 145 years.
Earlier today, nearly two dozen people were convicted in the largest child sex abuse case ever investigated by West Midlands Police.
The horrific crimes took place in Walsall and Wolverhampton over the course of nearly a decade against seven kids who were aged 12 and younger.
It only came to light when one of the victims went to hospital in 2017 - triggering a six-year probe into the sex abuse gang dubbed Operation Satchel.
This uncovered what one detective branded “systematic” abuse that was the “most shocking” they had ever seen.
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Tracey Baker (BPM Media)
David Baker (BPM Media)Of the 21 criminals, 17 have already been jailed with sentences ranging from 28 months to life - meaning four haven't had their pictures released yet.
The case could only now be reported due to reporting restrictions imposed at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Restrictions have since been lifted after the final of three consecutive trials ended today (April 5) - so many were needed because of the sheer volume of defendants involved in the case.
Violet Griffiths (BPM Media)
James Evans (BPM Media)A total of 13 defendants were handed custodial sentences, while one of the perpetrators was even sentenced to life behind bars for their horrific offending.
Four others are due to discover their fate next month.
Deputy Chief Superintendent Paul Drover, who was head of investigation for West Midlands Police, said a large team of officers investigated the ring for more than half a decade, uncovering what he called "systematic abuse that has to be some of the most shocking I have seen in my career".
Natalie Wellington (BPM Media)
Matthew Evans (BPM Media)He added: "Our investigation turned into one of the biggest investigations in the West Midlands into child sexual abuse.
"Seventy interviews were conducted and we heard high numbers of disclosures made by the children involved.
"We had specialist support from the National Crime Agency detectives, specialists in disclosure and exhibits, plus all the support from colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), local authority social care, children's mental health services and health services."
Anne Marie Clare (BPM Media)
Lee Webb (BPM Media)He added that a report into what had taken place and understanding how it happened as well as any "lessons to be learned" was being co-ordinated by Walsall Safeguarding Children's Board, and was expected to be published in due course.
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The trial process was delayed by the impact of the Covid pandemic.
Mr Drover praised the victims, some of whom are now adults, for coming forward, allowing the perpetrators to be brought to justice, saying they had suffered "shocking and abhorrent" abuse.
Luke Baker (BPM Media)
Kirsty Webb (BPM Media)"They have been through a significant amount of trauma," he said, adding "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," he said.
"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 offences 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.
Natasha Webb (BPM Media)
Mark Smith (BPM Media)"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."
The first of the three trials began in January 2022, with the third trial ending today. The victims are now all adults.
More than 70 suspect interviews were conducted by officers during their investigation.
The sick criminals who were prosecuted and found guilty:
- Matthew Evans, 32, from Howard Road, Bilston, has been found guilty of 2 child sexual abuse related offences
- John Griffiths, 66, from Abbotts Street, Bloxwich, has been found guilty of 2 child sexual abuse related offences
- Violet Griffiths, 66, from Abbotts Street, Bloxwich, has been found guilty of 2 child sexual abuse related offences
They will be sentenced on May 12, 2023 and Natasha Webb, 37, is due to be sentenced at a future date, too.
Pamela Howells (BPM Media)
John Griffiths (BPM Media)- James Evans, 38, from Eyland Grove, Walsall, was found guilty of 20 child sexual abuse related offences 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.
- Kirsty Webb, 36, from Bloxwich Road, Walsall, was found guilty of 5 child sexual abuse related offences and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. SHPO for 30 years. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
- Mark Smith, 34, from Bloxwich Road, Walsall, was found guilty of 4 child sexual abuse related offences 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, from Saw Mill Close, Walsall, was found guilty of 3 child sexual abuse related offences and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. SHPO for 15 years. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
Jason Evans (BPM Media)
Phillip Wellington (West Midlands Police)- Lee Webb, 40, Whitmore Street, Palfrey, Walsall, was found guilty of 3 child sexual abuse related offences and sentenced to 6 years imprisonment. SHPO for 30 years. Indefinite Restraining Order imposed in respect of the victims. Notification requirement for life.
- Ann Marie Clare, 43, from Saw Mill Close, Walsall, was found guilty of 4 child sexual abuse related offences and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment with an extended licence period of 3 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 2 years and a SHPO imposed for 40 years.
David Evans (West Midlands Police / SWNS)- 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 but must notify as a sex offender for five years
- Tracey Baker, 41, from Park Avenue, Walsall, was found guilty of 5 child sexual abuse related offences 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, from Park Avenue Walsall, was found guilty of 7 child sexual abuse related offences and was sentenced to 21 years imprisonment (inc. extra year extended licence). Restraining Order and SHPO granted indefinitely.
- Luke Baker, 22, Park Avenue Walsall, was found guilty of 2 child sexual abuse related offences and sentenced to 2 years and 4 months, Restraining Order to last until further order and a SHPO for 15 years
- David Evans, 72, from Adshed Road, Redcar, Cleveland, was found guilty of 2 child sexual abuse related offences and was sentenced to 3 years 6 months imprisonment. Restraining Order and SHPO granted indefinitely.
- Jane Evans, 71, from Tantarra Street Walsall was found not fit to plead and the jury decided that she had committed the acts alleged and was sentenced to a two year supervision order and SHPO granted.
- Philip Wellington, 50, from Walsingham Street, Walsall, was found guilty of 3 child sexual abuse related offences and sentenced to 9 years custody, SHPO and Restraining Order in relation to all of the complainants. Both orders to last until further order.
- Natalie Wellington, 44, from Walsingham Street, Walsall, was found guilty of 4 child sexual abuse related offences and was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment (inc. extra year extended licence). Restraining Order and SHPO granted indefinitely.
- Jason Evans, 25, from Walsingham Street, Walsall, was found guilty of 3 child sexual abuse related offences and sentenced to 2 years and 6 months, Restraining order to last until further order and a SHPO for 15 years.
- Ryan Evans, 23, was found guilty of 1 child sexual abuse related offence and was sentenced to a community order for 3 years, restraining order to last until further order and a SHPO for 15 years.
