Newcastle Case Sees 17 Men and One Woman Convicted Of Nearly 100 Offences

Specialist abuse lawyers have welcomed the conclusion of the trial related to Operation Shelter in Newcastle and revealed their hope that such cases will continue to encourage people affected by such problems to come forward and speak out.

A total of 17 men and one woman were found guilty of being involved in a network of grooming in the city, in a series of four trials related to almost 100 offences ranging from rape to human trafficking and supplying drugs between 2011 and 2014.

The trial heard how vulnerable females aged between 13 and 25 were targeted by the network, with many being exploited with the promise of access to alcohol and substances including cannabis.

Operation Shelter was operated under the remit of Operation Sanctuary, a wider investigation by Northumbria Police into sexual exploitation within the region.

Specialist lawyers in Irwin Mitchell’s Abuse team have welcomed the news of the convictions in Operation Shelter, with such action being taken shortly after the uncovering of similar issues in Rotherham and Rochdale.

Emma Crowther, a specialist abuse lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, said: 

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“The details which have emerged in this case are truly shocking and it is very welcome that action has been taken to tackle what has emerged as a result of this investigation. Operation Shelter is the latest in a number of high-profile investigations undertaken into the issue of grooming and exploitation and such work is a hugely positive step forward.

“The conclusion of cases of this nature is hugely important in that it often gives survivors greater reassurances that their concerns will be taken seriously if they come forward to authorities. It can be extremely difficult for a survivor of abuse to speak about what they have been through, but hopefully this latest case will continue to encourage people affected by such problems to simply not just suffer in silence.

“It is absolutely vital that those affected by abuse are able to get access to the support they need to take steps on the road towards coming to terms with their ordeals and moving forward with their lives.” Emma Crowther - Senior Associate Solicitor