Girl’s sex ordeal ‘almost beyond belief’

NINE men have been jailed for their role in the sexual exploitation of a 14-year-old girl.

The child went missing from her home in Rochdale on two occasions in February, 2008. The second time she was missing for 11 days before being found in Rusholme.

When officers spoke to her she told them she had been sexually abused by a number of men.

Over the following weeks the girl was spoken to by a specialist team of officers. She was able to identify the places she was taken and the men who had abused her.

Supt Paul Savill from GMP, said: “This child has been through an absolutely horrifying ordeal at the hands of these men.

The level of abuse she has suffered is almost beyond belief.

“She has been treated like a commodity — beaten, threatened and sexually exploited. These men took advantage of her vulnerability with no regard for her wellbeing.”

The victim said: “These people exploit young girls, introduce them to prostitution, feed them drugs and alcohol and tell them they love them.

“I know this because it has happened to me and it has changed my life enormously.

“I just hope that people will be more aware of this now and will be able to prevent this from happening to other vulnerable young girls.”

Her parents added: “We are very proud of our daughter for her courage in assisting police with the prosecution of these abusers who caused her such terrible harm. No family should have to endure a nightmare experience like the one we have been through.

“Sadly, we now know that many young and vulnerable teenage girls are targeted, groomed and abused in this way by such offenders; we support our daughter in hoping that these successful prosecutions will send a message that will help protect other children.”

Three of the men jailed are from Rochdale, the others from various parts of Manchester.