Star comment: Inactivity emboldened evil paedophile gangs to carry on
Never again. That’s the abiding lesson of a sex scandal that shamed this region, revealed the ineptitude of institutions that are supposed to keep children safe and catalogued the missed opportunities that workers had to bring things to a stop and protect those who need not have suffered.
The sexual exploitation of young girls in Telford was on a large scale.
Adults took advantage of children who were vulnerable and frequently in care. They were abused and exploited by men who groomed them. The scars will last throughout their lives, many will have difficulties forming functional relationships and moving on from a tawdry and dissolute experience.
The real villains of course are not police or social workers. They are the men who perpetrated the crimes. They knew what they were doing was wrong. They cannot hide behind lies or excuses, for there were none. They knowingly engaged in activities that can only have been damaging to their victims and they deserve the punishments many now face. There should be no hiding place, no opportunities to repeat their offences. They will carry their shame and guilt forever.
