Schoolgirl’s Revelation After Watching BBC Drama Leads to Grooming Gang’s Arrest
A notorious grooming gang, responsible for the rape and exploitation of vulnerable young girls, has been brought to justice after one brave victim was “triggered” by a BBC drama to come forward and reveal the horrors she endured. Abalzaq Salih, 31, of Plymouth, Saif Kahya, 32, of Liverpool, and Anthony Anantharajah, 35, of London, have been convicted of rape and are now facing long prison sentences following a harrowing trial.
The five-week trial at Plymouth Crown Court revealed how these older men preyed on four teenage girls, luring them to house parties where they were incapacitated with drugs and alcohol before being sexually assaulted. One victim’s mother, desperate to protect her daughter, testified that she had repeatedly contacted authorities, saying, “it felt like I was fighting the whole world and no one was listening to me.”
The full extent of the abuse came to light after another victim, inspired by the BBC drama Three Girls—which depicted the infamous Rochdale child sexual exploitation case—reported her own experiences to the police. The drama “triggered her” to recall the series of 2017 parties in Plymouth where girls were groomed and assaulted.
Devon and Cornwall Police launched Operation Garcia, a complex investigation into child sexual exploitation, which ultimately led to the arrest and charging of four men. The trial involved emotional testimonies from the victims, who were interviewed by specially trained officers, and extensive cross-examinations, reports MyLondon.
Salih was convicted of two counts of raping a girl aged 15 or under, Kahya was found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl, and Anantharajah was convicted of raping another 16-year-old. A fourth man, Moussa Ahmadou, 45, was acquitted of sexual assault.
The court heard that the victims were targeted at three separate house parties, each held at the defendants’ homes in 2017. Prosecutor Dan Pawson-Pounds described how these men created an environment designed to exploit vulnerable girls, giving them alcohol, drugs, and money before attacking them. “These girls were made to feel grown up and given things they wanted,” he explained, “but they were drawn into a world where they could be abused.”
The case highlights the challenges police faced in securing justice. Many victims were initially reluctant to come forward, but through meticulous investigation and unwavering support from authorities, they eventually provided crucial evidence. The prosecution was overseen by the Crown Prosecution Service’s Organised Child and Sexual Abuse Unit, which specializes in such complex cases.
Plymouth Commander, temporary Chief Superintendent Scott Bradley, praised the survivors’ bravery: “Without their evidence and courage, we would not have been able to achieve this outcome.” He emphasized the police’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and ensuring justice for those who prey on the vulnerable.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that there is help available for victims of sexual crimes. Support networks and services, such as those provided by the NHS and charities like Rape Crisis, are crucial in aiding survivors. For those in immediate need, police services across the country, including Merseyside Police, are equipped with specially trained officers to handle such sensitive cases. The guilty verdicts mark the culmination of years of dedicated work by police and support services, and they offer hope that the survivors can begin to find closure after their traumatic experiences.