SEXUAL EXPLOITATION: “Guilty verdicts send out important message”, says Barnados

Barnardo’s has been supporting the young women in this case through our R-U-Safe? service based in Buckinghamshire.

The charity’s team provided personalised support to each of the victims before the trial and continued to offer support during and after court proceedings.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan said: “These guilty verdicts send out an important message that the perpetrators of this horrific crime have to pay for their actions. The bravery of the victims giving evidence in this case should be commended. The courage it takes to re-live your abuse in a courtroom environment cannot be underestimated.

“Barnardo’s knows from supporting more than 3,000 sexually exploited children last year that lives are often shattered by this form of abuse.

“Ensuring these cases come to trial is vital in giving sexually exploited children confidence in the justice system and the belief that, if they come forward, they will be believed and supported.

“We will continue to work with Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire County Council and our other partners to stamp out this horrific crime.”