PURE EVIL: Women among 21 convicted in biggest child sex ring in history!

The alleged sex ring came to light in 2017, after a hospital visit by one of the victims sparked concern

UPDATED APR 6, 2023

Eight women convicted in horrific child sex ring investigation of its kind by West Midland Police's (West Midlands Police)

If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.

LONDON, UK: Britain has uncovered one of its biggest child sex rackets with eight women among 21 members who have been convicted over the "abhorrent and cruel" abuse of children as young as 12, spanning for over a decade. The alleged sex ring came to light in 2017, after a hospital visit by one of the victims sparked concern, leading to over 70 suspects being investigated by the West Midlands Police.

In a quest to bring the offenders to justice, authorities described the case as one of the most complex and difficult they had to encounter. Police highlighted among the scores of victims, seven were subjected to horrifying abuse physically and mentally for over a decade in Wolverhampton and Walsall. Out of the 21 disgraced male and female offenders, 13 have been jailed with sentences totaling 145 years at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Authorities are working with Social Services to safeguard the children as they unravel their alleged abuses.

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Biggest child sex ring of its kind in West Midlands

Initially, due to the Covid pandemic, the trial process was delayed but once resumed, three separate trials were conducted where the court and jurors heard how the children were subjected to "systematic sexual abuse." Joanne Jakymec, the CPS chief crown prosecutor, said, "The offenders in this case perpetrated the most appalling catalogue of sexual abuse of the utmost gravity, causing the victims physical harm and extreme psychological harm," as per Daily Mail. "With the exception of one of the offenders who admitted what they had done, none of the rest have shown the slightest remorse." She further praised, the "bravery" of victims adding, "Without their support it would not have been possible for the prosecution team to convict this large network of child abusers."

Head of the investigation, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Drover claimed, "This has been a challenging and complex investigation, and the biggest of its kind I have known for the force. But at the heart of it has been seven children who suffered the most abhorrent and cruel abuse, not just physically but psychologically, leaving them in extreme trauma. Their welfare has been at the heart of this investigation and support for them will continue for many years to come. I commend their bravery in being able to tell us about their abuse. I am grateful to everyone who worked so hard to get justice for them, and the jurors who had to listen to such a catalogue of depravity to reach their verdict," said Drover.

'We are determined to bring offenders to justice!'

Drover added the probe has helped the department function better and alleged victims to never be afraid and seek help whenever they have a chance. "We have improved the way we work in the Public Protection Unit over recent years putting victims at the heart of our investigations, and this case has given us valuable learning to keep improving. I hope that this conviction shows that we are determined to bring offenders to justice and anyone who has suffered or is still suffering sexual abuse, should not be afraid to tell someone, either to police, a teacher, a doctor or anyone else they feel they can trust. We have specialist officers who are trained to help and we work with many partners and charities who can offer support."

Below are the convicted women that suspects identified

Ann Marie Clare, 43, (L) sentenced to eight years while Tracey Baker, 41 (R) was jailed for 15 years and Violet Griffiths, 66, (C) is due to be sentenced at a later date (West Midlands Police)

Ann Marie Clare, 43, was found guilty of 4 child sexual abuse-related offenses and sentenced to 8 years imprisonment with an extended license period of 3 years (a total of 11 years). Tracey Baker, 41, was found guilty of 5 child sexual abuse-related offenses and sentenced to 16 years custody, SHPO, and Restraining Order in relation to all of the complainants, both orders will last until further order. Violet Griffiths, 66, has been found guilty of 2 child sexual abuse-related offenses and will be sentenced at a later date.

(Clockwise) Natasha Webb, 37, due to be sentenced, Kirsty Webb, 36, pictured right, was sentenced to 10 years, Natalie Wellington, 44 was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment, Pamela Howells, 58, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment (West Midlands Police)

Natasha Webb, 37, gave evidence and is due to be sentenced. Kirsty Webb, 36, was found guilty of 5 child sexual abuse-related offenses and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Natalie Wellington, 44, was found guilty of 4 child sexual abuse-related offenses and was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment. Pamela Howells, 58, was found guilty of 3 child sexual abuse-related offenses and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment, SHPO for 15 years.