Final members of Walsall child sex abuse ring sentenced
21 people were convicted for their part in the biggest child sex abuse case of its kind in the West Midlands
Last updated 2nd Jun 2023
The final four members of a 21-person child sex abuse ring in Walsall have been sentenced.
The ‘abhorrent and cruel’ sexual offences against seven young children spanned almost a decade.
The offending came to light in 2017 following a hospital visit by one of the victims.
A team of officers worked with Social Services firstly to safeguard the children, and then uncover what had happened to them.
Today (June 2), the final four people convicted for their part in the case have been sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Matthew Evans, 32, was convicted multiple offences and has been sentenced to 17 years and six months imprisonment, with 1 year extended licence period.
John Griffiths, 67, was convicted multiple offences and has been sentenced to 17 years and six months imprisonment, with 1 year extended licence period.
Violet Griffiths, 67, has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for multiple offences.
Natasha Webb, 37, pleaded guilty to multiple child sexual abuse offences. She's been sentenced to to nine years.
All defendants also received Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Restraining Orders.
Joanne Jakymec, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS, said: “The final four defendants have been sentenced today in what has been the largest ever child sexual abuse investigation and prosecution in the West Midlands.
“The 21 offenders convicted in Operation Satchel perpetrated the most abhorrent catalogue of systematic sexual abuse on seven children. The scale, depravity and deeply disturbing nature of which is unlike anything I have seen during my time working for the CPS and has shocked everyone who has been involved in bringing them to justice.
“The cruel abuse which they inflicted on the victims for years has caused them physical and extreme psychological harm, leaving them traumatised.
“I would like to thank and commend all of the victims and the witnesses for their bravery in coming forward and giving evidence - it is their courage which enabled us to bring this case to court and see justice served.
“This has been a complex and challenging case which, due to the sheer number of defendants involved, required us to prepare for and present evidence in three separate trials which took place over a period of 18 months to successfully secure this outcome.
“With the exception of one defendant, who admitted what they had done, none of the rest have shown the slightest remorse.
“I would also like to thank the West Midlands Police investigation team who worked with the CPS over five years painstakingly reviewing a huge amount of evidence to ensure that this large network of child sexual abusers was prosecuted and convicted.
“All children have the right to feel safe and protected. We hope the outcome of this case will encourage anyone who may be in a similar position to come forward to report these incidents to the police, knowing we will do all we can to prosecute where there is sufficient evidence to do so and offer support for victims.”