The evil criminals involved in the biggest-ever child sex abuse ring in the West Midlands have been jailed for more than 145 years. A total of 21 people have been convicted of sickening crimes against seven children up to the age of 12.
The 'abhorrent and cruel' offences stretched over almost a decade in the Walsall and Wolverhampton areas. A huge six-year probe into the abuse was launched by West Midlands Police after one of the victims went to hospital in 2017.
It is the biggest investigation of its kind in West Midland Police’s history, with one detective branding the 'systematic' abuse as the 'most shocking' he has ever seen. The case could only now be reported due to reporting restrictions imposed at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
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Restrictions have since been lifted after the final of three consecutive trials ended today (April 5), reports BirminghamLive. A judge has already sentenced 17 defendants - seen in the montage above - for their part in the sex abuse gang dubbed Operation Satchel.
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: "So in 2017, police received the first report from a child alleging they had been subject to systematic sexual abuse. That started a six-year investigation involving specialist investigators from West Midlands Police, children's social workers, along with experts in mental health.
"We were able to identify seven children that had been subject over a number of years to systematic abuse that has been some of the most shocking abuse that I have seen in my career and an investigation which turned into one of the biggest investigations in the West Midlands in relation to child sexual abuse."
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.
Det Ch Supt added: "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."
James Evans, 38, Eyland Grove, Walsall, jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years and given a sexual harm prevention order for life
David Baker, 41, Park Avenue, Willenhall, jailed for 20 years with a further year on licence, given a restraining order and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order
Mark Smith, 34, Bloxwich Road, Walsall, handed a 25-year extended sentence, with 19 years in jail, and given a sexual harm prevention order for 30 years
Natalie Wellington, 44, Walsingham Street, Chuckery, Walsall, jailed for 16 years with a further year on licence, given an indefinite restraining order and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order
Tracy Baker, 41, Park Avenue, Walsall, jailed for 15 years with a further year on licence and given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order
Kirsty Webb, 36, Bloxwich Road, Leamore, Walsall, jailed for 10 years and given a sexual harm prevention order for 30 years
Phillip Wellington, 50, Walsingham Street, Chuckery, Walsall, jailed for eight years with a further year on licence, given an indefinite restraining order and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order
Ann Clare, 43, Saw Mill Close, Butts, Walsall, jailed for eight years with a further three on licence and given a sexual harm prevention order for 30 years
Pamela Howells, 58, Saw Mill Close, Butts, Walsall, jailed for seven years and given a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years
Lee Webb, 40, Whitmore Street, Palfrey, Walsall, jailed for six years and given a sexual harm prevention order for 30 years
David Evans, 72, Adshed Road, Redcar, Cleveland, jailed for three-and-a-half years and given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order
Jason Evans, 25, Walsingham Street, Chuckery, Walsall, jailed for two years and six months and given a sexual harm prevention order for 15 years
Luke Baker, 22, Park Avenue, Willenhall, jailed for two years and four months, given an indefinite restraining order and a sexual harm prevention order for 15 year
Natasha Webb, 37, will be sentenced at a future date
Matthew Evans, 32, will be be sentenced at a future date
John Griffiths, 66, will be sentenced at a future date
Violet Griffiths, 66, will be sentenced at a future date
Four others were given community sentences
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