In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that four men were jailed for a total of 53 years for the systematic grooming and sexual abuse of a young girl over a six-year period. On appearing at court for sentencing in 2019, the group was held accountable for a campaign of abuse that began when the victim was just nine years old. It was reported that the vulnerable child had been offered to the men by another individual in exchange for cigarettes and alcohol, leading to years of repeated sexual assaults and rapes.
The investigation established the predatory and coordinated nature of the defendants’ conduct. Northumbria Police reported that the survivor came forward as an adult to report the historical abuse, leading to a complex investigation across multiple regions. The prosecution reported that the men were found guilty of 37 counts of sexual offences, including multiple rapes, after a trial in May 2019. The victim stated that during the abuse, she “didn’t know any different” and believed that beatings and exploitation were normal.
Judicial Findings and Individual Sentences
The court reported that Colin Ankers was the primary architect of the grooming process, with the victim describing him as the one who “stole her childhood” and exerted the most control over her. Newcastle Crown Court heard that the abuse had a devastating impact on the survivor’s adult life, affecting her relationships and self-esteem. The investigation established the following sentences for the four men involved:
- Colin Ankers, 45, of Waterville Road, North Shields, Tyne and Wear: Found guilty of 14 counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. Sentenced to 21 years in prison.
- Philip Taylor, 60, of Whiteley Avenue, Sowerby, West Yorkshire: Found guilty of three counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault. Sentenced to 17 years in prison.
- Paul Cavner, 55, of Crofton Street, Blyth, Northumberland: Found guilty of one count of rape and one count of indecent assault. Sentenced to 9 years in prison.
- Darren Smith, 36, of Irene Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire: Found guilty of five counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault. Sentenced to 6 years in prison.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in England, the status of the offenders is as follows:
- Custodial Sentences: Total of 53 years across the four defendants (Sentenced 2019).
- Sex Offenders Register: All four men are required to register as sex offenders for life.
- Judicial Oversight: Sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court following a Northumbria Police investigation.
- Criminal Record: Multiple counts of rape of a child and indecent assault.
- Origins: North Shields, Sowerby, Blyth, and Stoke-on-Trent.
Monitoring and Public Protection
All four men are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) at the highest level of scrutiny. Due to the nature of their conduct, which involved the organized grooming and “vile” exploitation of a nine-year-old girl for tradeable goods, their management is a maximum priority. Authorities state that their life-long registration is a critical tool to ensure they are strictly monitored upon any eventual release and are prohibited from having any contact with the survivor or any other children.
As members of the Sex Offenders Register for life, Ankers, Taylor, Cavner, and Smith must comply with all notification requirements regarding their identity and residence. Authorities state that the calculated and “shameful” nature of the abuse in Tyne and Wear and beyond necessitates permanent vigilance. Any future attempt to approach a minor or fail to disclose their location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.