Crime Commissioner says Police are 'getting to grips' with grooming after Rotherham verdict

The Commissioner believes the verdict, relating to crimes against young teenage girls in Rotherham, will encourage more victims to come forward and testify.

Dr Billings said: "This is a very good result for South Yorkshire Police and a clear sign that they are getting to grips with the scandal of grooming.

"It sends a signal across South Yorkshire to victims and witnesses that they will be believed, they will be listened to and they will get the care and protection they need while those who have wronged them are brought to court."

The eight men, who were all aged between 17 and 26 at the time, were found guilty of 19 offences last month, following a four-week trial. They were sentenced to a total of 96 years imprisonment.

An independent report found that 1,400 children were sexually abused in Rotherham by men of predominantly Pakistani heritage between 1997 and 2013 while those in authority turned a blind eye.