A review into child sexual exploitation in Rochdale has found that girls were 'left at the mercy' of paedophile grooming gangs for years due to failings by senior police and council bosses. The report, covering 2004 to 2013, highlights a series of failed investigations by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and apparent local authority indifference to the plight of hundreds of youngsters identified as potential victims of Asian men.
The review identifies 96 men still deemed a potential risk to children, adding that this was 'only a proportion' of those involved in the abuse. Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has called for disciplinary action against police officers, council officials, and some prosecutors who 'failed in their duties'. He praised whistleblowers including health worker Sara Rowbotham and former GMP detective Maggie Oliver, who raised concerns despite facing vocal criticism from authorities.
One child victim, known as Amber, gave 'significant evidence', but the crimes were not recorded by GMP, potentially leaving perpetrators free to continue abusing other children. Amber was even described as a co-conspirator in the sexual exploitation of other children in one trial without her knowledge, an allegation she always denied and was unable to defend herself against.
The review, focusing on 111 cases in Rochdale, found compelling evidence of widespread organised sexual exploitation of children, with at least 74 children likely being sexually exploited, and serious failures to protect the child in 48 of those cases. Concerns raised by Ms Rowbotham and Ms Oliver were 'substantiated'.
Review author Malcolm Newsam said GMP and Rochdale Council failed to prioritise child protection, leaving children 'at risk and many of their abusers to this day have not been apprehended'. Mr Burnham described the results as 'distressing' and apologised directly to victims, while GMP and council leaders repeated previous apologies and said systems have since been overhauled.
