FOUR MEN WHO 'BRUTALLY' RAPED A CHILD VICTIM OVER A PERIOD OF SIX YEARS SENTENCED
Four men who 'brutally' raped a child victim over a period of six years, during which she was trafficked for cigarettes, money, and alcohol, have been sentenced to prison.Northumbria Police praised the victim, describing her as a "pillar of strength." The men initially denied the charges of rape and sexual assault but were convicted after a trial held at Newcastle Crown Court in June.
They received different jail terms ranging from six to 21 years.
The court was told that one man had offered the victim to other men for sexual purposes in exchange for cigarettes, money, or alcohol.
Specifically, Colin Ankers, 45, from Waterville Road, North Shields, was convicted of 14 counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault, receiving a 21-year sentence extended by a year on license.
Philip Taylor, 60, from West Yorkshire, was convicted of three counts of rape and four of indecent assault, and sentenced to 17 years.
Paul Cavner, 55, from Blyth, Northumberland, faced one count each of rape and indecent assault, with a sentence of nine years.
Darren Smith, 36, from Stoke-on-Trent, who was a minor at the time of the offenses, was convicted of five counts each of rape and indecent assault, and sentenced to six years.
During the trial, the victim stated, "The trial has been very difficult for me but it's the closure that I need to be able to move on with my life." She also shared her traumatic experience, saying, "My childhood was taken at the age of nine when Colin Ankers began to groom me.
Out of all of the men who abused me, he was the worst.
I have never been happy and settled; I have been used as a sex toy, and punch bag." During the sentencing, judge Tim Gittens described the men's crimes as 'heinous and wicked.' Det Jaclyn Younger from Northumbria Police emphasized the bravery of the victim, stating, "These horrific abusers are now behind bars thanks to her courage.
She describes herself as a survivor.
She was a girl who had to grow up too quickly due to the abuse, but she is now stronger than ever."
