West Midlands Police Wrap Up Biggest Child Abuse Investigation
West Midlands Police have closed the book on their largest ever child abuse probe. Over 15 months, three intense trials delivered justice for victims all under 12 when the abuse happened.
Three Trials, 22 Defendants, Justice Served
Reporting restrictions lifted today after the third and final trial convicted three more defendants, with sentencing set for 12 May. Another defendant was acquitted.
The saga began with a January 2022 trial that convicted nine offenders by May. A second trial from September 2022 to January 2023 saw nine more behind bars.
Operation Satchel Uncovers Horrific Abuse
The shocking crimes surfaced in 2017, prompting the launch of Operation Satchel. Police teamed up with Social Services to protect the young victims and piece together the full horror.
Detectives carried out over 70 suspect interviews, resulting in multiple charges against each defendant – some facing life sentences.
“This has been a challenging and complex investigation, the biggest of its kind I have known for the force,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Drover.
“At the heart of it were seven children who suffered horrendous physical and psychological abuse, leaving them traumatised. Their welfare remains our priority, and I commend their bravery in speaking out.”
“Thanks go to everyone who fought hard for justice, including the jurors who heard such depravity.”
Sentences Handed Down to 22 Defendants
- James Evans, 38, Walsall – Life with minimum 18 years, lifelong sexual harm prevention order
- David Baker, 41, Walsall – 20 years plus licence, restraining order, indefinite sexual harm prevention order
- Mark Smith, 34, Walsall – 19 years plus licence, 30-year sexual harm prevention order
- Natalie Wellington, 44, Walsall – 16 years plus licence, indefinite restraining and sexual harm prevention orders
- Tracy Baker, 41, Walsall – 15 years plus licence, indefinite sexual harm prevention order
- Kirsty Webb, 36, Walsall – 10 years, 30-year sexual harm prevention order
- Phillip Wellington, 50, Walsall – 8 years plus licence, indefinite restraining and sexual harm prevention orders
- Ann Clare, 43, Walsall – 8 years plus licence, 30-year sexual harm prevention order
- Pamela Howells, 58, Walsall – 7 years, 15-year sexual harm prevention order
- Lee Webb, 40, Walsall – 6 years, 30-year sexual harm prevention order
- David Evans, 72, Cleveland – 3½ years, indefinite sexual harm prevention order
- Jason Evans, 25, Walsall – 2 years 6 months, 15-year sexual harm prevention order
- Luke Baker, 22, Walsall – 2 years 4 months, indefinite restraining order, 15-year sexual harm prevention order
- Stephen Webb, 65 – Absolute discharge (health), must notify as sex offender for 5 years
- Dean Webb, 35 – 2 year supervision, must notify as sex offender for 5 years, 40-year sexual harm prevention order
- Jane Evans, 71, Walsall – 2 year supervision, indefinite sexual harm prevention order
- Ryan Evans, 23 – Community order 3 years, tagged curfew 28 days, sexual harm prevention order 15 years
Four defendants – Natasha Webb, Matthew Evans, and John and Violet Griffiths – await sentencing.
This massive operation marks a major victory for West Midlands Police and the brave victims who stood tall through a dark ordeal.
