A victim of the notorious Rochdale grooming gang has hit out at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over his role as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) during the original prosecutions. The abuse scandal shook the town in the early 2000s, with predators mainly of Pakistani heritage jailed in 2012.
‘Disgusting’ Defence of Starmer’s Record
Known only as Ruby, the survivor accused Starmer of failing victims despite DNA and solid evidence. “It’s absolutely vile,” she told the Express. “How can he stand there and say he did a good job? They had DNA, concrete evidence, and still didn’t get charged with rape.” Ruby revealed she was impregnated by one of the abusers, Adil Khan. Starmer has defended his record, claiming he secured the first grooming gang prosecutions and challenged CPS stereotypes. However, police and prosecutors have faced widespread criticism for ignoring victims of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).
Calls for Starmer to Step Away from Inquiry
Ruby has joined former GMP whistleblower Maggie Oliver in demanding that Starmer recuse himself from the upcoming national inquiry, citing conflicts of interest due to the CPS’s mishandling of victims during his tenure.
“The CPS made horrific decisions that must not be repeated,” said Oliver, who quit as a detective over the case. She condemned the CPS for branding another victim, Amber, as an accomplice rather than portraying her as a survivor. “That tactic against a vulnerable victim of horrendous abuse was inhumane, unlawful and should never be used,” Oliver added. “Amber wasn’t arrested or cautioned and didn’t know she was being falsely portrayed as an instigator in court.”
Adil Khan Jailed, Now Barred From UK Return
Adil Khan, convicted of trafficking and child sexual activity conspiracy, was jailed for eight years in 2012 but released after just four. He fled the UK and will not be allowed to return.
Government and CPS Respond
A Downing Street spokesperson said:
“As Director of Public Prosecutions, the Prime Minister secured the first grooming gang prosecutions over a decade ago. His government is now doing more than any before to tackle this vile crime. Survivors are at the heart of the inquiry chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield, and we will leave no stone unturned to deliver justice.”
A CPS spokesperson added:
“We recognise that in the past, victims may not have had positive experiences. Past decisions reflected the law and understanding of the time. Recently, we have invested significantly in how we prosecute these complex cases.” “Our Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit now has specially trained prosecutors focused on victims, exploitation, coercion, and trauma.”
