25 men convicted of sexual abuse in Kirklees
It happened between 1999 & 2012
Dozens of peoplewho sexually abused young girls in Kirklees have been jailed for a combined 346 years following a major police investigation.
Sentencing took place at Leeds Crown Court yesterday ( April 26 ) for the latest men convicted as part of Operation Tourway, a multi-year investigation into the non-recent sexual exploitation of young girls in North Kirklees.
Their conviction means 25 men have so far been sentenced for their roles in the rape, sexual abuse and trafficking of eight then young girls in North Kirklees between 1999 and 2012.
One of the men convicted received a sentence in excess of 30 years during the trials
They've been held over the past couple of years - with reporting restriction in places until now so everyone involved could have a fair hearing.
Dedicated safeguarding detectives began investigating non recent reports concerning some of the men from 2015 with more suspects being uncovered as enquiries progressed.
Arrests were conducted from November 2018 across the West Yorkshire area.
All of the suspects were charged in December 2020
DCI Oliver Coates of Kirklees Police, said:
“The conviction and sentencing of these latest eight men represents a significant milestone for victims in this case.
“Their bravery in coming forwards and identifying their abusers has allowed us to take action against men whose offending and behaviour can only be described as abhorrent in the extreme.
“They displayed real courage and determination in giving evidence through what have been lengthy trials and supporting our investigations.
“I hope they can find some closure and satisfaction in knowing they have enabled police and partners to mount a huge and highly difficult investigation which has taken sexual predators off our streets for years to come.”