Twenty-one people have been convicted of serious sexual offending against children in Walsall in the largest child sexual abuse investigation conducted by West Midlands police.
The investigation uncovered what was described as “the most appalling catalogue of sexual abuse” – sexual offences in the Walsall area against seven children aged 12 and under, spanning almost a decade.
The case can only now be reported due to the conclusion of the third and final trial in 15 months of legal proceedings involving the defendants.
Matthew Evans, 32, John Griffiths, 66, and Violet Griffiths, 66, were found guilty of multiple child sexual abuse offences at Wolverhampton crown court on Wednesday, and will be sentenced on 12 May. One more defendant was found not guilty.
Their conviction follows that of Tracey Baker, 41, David Baker, 41, Luke Baker, 22, David Evans, 72, Philip Wellington, 50, Natalie Wellington, 44, Jason Evans, 25, and Ryan Evans, 23, who were found guilty of multiple child sexual abuse related offences on 2 February after the second trial.
On 27 May 2022, after the conclusion of the first trial, James Evans, 38, Pamela Howells, 58, Lee Webb, 40, Kirsty Webb, 36, Mark Smith, 34, and Ann Marie Clare, 43, were convicted of multiple child sexual abuse-related offences.
Stephen Webb, 65, Dean Webb, 35, and Jane Evans, 71, were found not fit to plead and the jury decided they had committed the acts alleged.
West Midlands police said their investigation, named Operation Satchel, began in 2017 when the offending first came to light. Officers worked with social services to safeguard the children who reported the abuse and uncover what had happened to them.
The longest sentence was given to James Evans, who was found guilty of 20 child sexual abuse related offences and jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years, as well as being given a sexual harm prevention order for life.
Other defendants received jail terms ranging from two years to 20 years, and all were given sexual harm prevention orders of varying length.
Natasha Webb, 37, pleaded guilty before trial and is due to be sentenced at a later date.
The chief crown prosecutor, Joanne Jakymec, said: “The offenders in this case perpetrated the most appalling catalogue of sexual abuse of the utmost gravity causing the victims physical harm and extreme psychological harm.
“With the exception of one of the offenders who admitted what they had done none of the rest have shown the slightest remorse.”
Police confirmed that the Walsall Safeguarding Children’s Board is coordinating a report into the abuse and what lessons can be learned, which will be published in due course.
Sally Hodges, chair of Walsall Safeguarding Partnership, said: “These sad, and frankly horrific, events happened many years ago.
“Local agencies continue to support and care for several children and young people who were affected, and they have provided stability, care and safe homes which has helped the children build trust and be able to confide in professionals.”
The convictions come after the home secretary, Suella Braverman, said “almost all” members of grooming gangs were British Pakistani men who held attitudes incompatible with British values.
Responding to the Walsall case in light of her comments, Craig Guildford, the chief constable of West Midlands police, said: “It is important to remain open-minded about who can commit these offences. They know no social or religious boundaries and it is important to remind the public and professionals to report their concerns to the police, regardless.”
Jakymec said the CPS and West Midlands police conducted 70 suspect interviews and worked together for six years to review the evidence needed to bring the case to court. It was split into three trials because of the large number of offenders.
The head of the investigation, DCS Paul Drover, said: “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.”
