Eight men jailed for paying for sex with children in Derby

Eight men convicted of paying vulnerable teenage girls in Derby for sex have been sentenced today.

Five of the men were found guilty following a four-week trial in July while three men had previously admitted the crimes.

Mark Adaoui was given seven years, Ijaz Ahmed six years, John Shaw four years 11 months, Anthony Lambert six years and Stefan Godfrey six years after a jury found them guilty.

Ian Yeoman received four years eight months, Colin Simpson four years and David Shardlow fours years.

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They were banned from working with children for life and must sign the sex offenders' register.

The latest sentences bring the total number of men dealt with by the courts to 10. Two men, who formed part of the same police investigation, were sentenced last year.

A 51-year-old man was jailed for seven years last January for paying for the sexual services of a child and possessing indecent images of children while a 55-year-old man was given a three-year community order last August after he admitted to three counts of paying for the sexual services of a child.

The detailed investigation, dubbed Operation Kern, began in July 2010 when officers became concerned for the safety of teenaged girls who were seen on Derby streets in the evenings.

The officers began gathering information about the girls and liaising with Derby City Council as some of the youngsters were in care. As this process began, a 15-year-old came forward and told police that five men had been paying her for sex and one had taken indecent pictures of her.

Officers identified 15 girls who were involved, seven of whom wished to take part in the prosecution. Five of these girls were victims while the other two were witnesses.

Between July and November 2010, 14 men were arrested as part of the investigation. Detectives found that many of the girls knew each other but that there was no link between the men.

Detective Superintendent Andy Stokes, head of Public Protection, said: “I’m pleased with the sentences passed today, not only because they reflect the hard work and dedication of the officers involved but more importantly, because the victims have seen justice done.

“These girls were young and vulnerable and were exploited by men who groomed them and bought them presents to keep them on side. They showed tremendous bravery in coming forward and speaking to police and by providing vital evidence to ensure these convictions.”

Det Supt Stokes said the force had worked closely with other agencies in Derby throughout the investigation. He added: “We continue to have a close relationship with all agencies, and the voluntary sector, in Derbyshire that are involved in child welfare, including the Derby-based charity Safe and Sound.

“However we are not complacent. All agencies need to work together to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation so that youngsters can be better protected.”

Mark Adaoui, 40, of Carlton Road, Derby, was found guilty of twocounts of paying for the sexual services of a child and one count of supplying cannabis.

Ijaz Ahmed 35, of Becher Street, Derby, was found guilty of three counts of paying for the sexual services of a child.

John Shaw 55, of Kniveton, was charged with two counts of paying for the sexual services of a child. He was found guilty of both offences. He was found not guilty of assault.

Anthony Lambert 51, of Warren Street, Derby, was charged with two counts of paying for the sexual services of a child. He was found guilty of both offences.

Stefan Godfrey 44, of George Street, Pinxton was charged with two counts of paying for the sexual services of a child. He was found guilty of both offences.

Ian Yeoman, 60, from Moseley Street, Birmingham, formerly of Mortimer Street, Derby, admitted 12 counts including paying for the sexual services of a child, sexual activity with a child and possessing indecent images.

Colin Simpson, 55, from Old School Lane, Creswell, pleaded guilty to six counts of paying for the sexual services of a child.

David Shardlow, 56, from Charlbury Close, Derby, admitted to nine counts of paying for the sexual services of a child and possessing indecent images of children.