Rotherham Predator Neil King Jailed for Sickening Abuse of Two Girls
Neil King, 51, from Dinnington, Rotherham, has been locked up for 17 sexual offences against a girl and her best friend. The horror abuse dates back to 2008, uncovered by the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood, which probes historic child sex crimes in the town.
Twist of Deceit: King’s Late Girlfriend Helped Lure Victim
King’s abuse began in the summer of 2008, with help from his then-girlfriend, Louise Tye, now deceased. Tye knew the girl through her father and cold-bloodedly planned the exploitation. She forced the girl to join in sex acts with herself and King, who paid her for her sick collaboration.
The vile offences included rape at King’s home and even in his car. On one chilling occasion, King also abused the girl’s best friend along with her, both just teens at the time.
Victims’ Brave Testimonies Bring Predator to Justice
After months of torture, the first victim managed to escape but King hunted her down and raped her again in 2010 at her new home. Both young girls were terrified to come forward at the time.
Operation Stovewood officers tracked down the victims in 2018. Through patient, specially-trained investigators, the girls bravely told their stories. This led to King’s arrest in 2021 and eventual conviction in 2023. Tye died before she could stand trial.
Senior Investigating Officer Stuart Cobb said: “Sixteen years ago Neil King subjected two young girls to horrendous sexual abuse. Today he is in prison because of the brave testimonies of the victims and the determination of National Crime Agency officers to seek justice.
“It’s never too late to report sexual offences. I urge anyone abused as a child to contact police. Reports will be handled by specially-trained officers.”
CPS Warns: Child Predators Will Face Justice, No Matter How Long It Takes
Samantha Thompson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “King groomed his victims with money, alcohol, drugs and gifts, before raping and attempting to rape them. The lifelong trauma inflicted cannot be overstated. This also shook trust in the Rotherham community.
“We thank the victims for having the courage to come forward. This conviction sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever the abuse happened.
“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse or sexual violence to report crimes to the police. You are not alone and help is available.”
Operation Stovewood: Rotherham’s Biggest Child Abuse Probe
Operation Stovewood is the largest investigation into historic child abuse in Rotherham, covering 1997 to 2013. So far, it has identified more than 1,100 victims and secured convictions against 37 offenders—including King. More than 50 investigations remain open.
If you or someone you know suffered child sexual abuse, contact police on 101 or visit your local station. Speaking out could stop predators and bring justice.
