In 2019, the Offender Database recorded that four men were convicted of a “heinous and wicked” campaign of historic child rape and indecent assault. On Friday, 7 June 2019, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found the group guilty of a total of 37 counts that occurred over a six-year period. The court reported that the victim was systematically offered to these men by someone she knew in return for money, cigarettes, and alcohol.
The investigation established that the abuse blighted the victim’s childhood, involving brutal rapes and sexual assaults. Northumbria Police reported that the four men—Colin Ankers, Philip Taylor, Darren Smith, and Paul Cavner—denied the charges throughout the trial. The prosecution reported that the sustained nature of the offences in Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, necessitated substantial custodial terms to reflect the “wicked” nature of the crimes.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that the convictions followed a long-term investigation into the exploitation of the child. Newcastle Crown Court heard how the men, hailing from North Shields, West Yorkshire, Stoke-on-Trent, and Blyth, participated in the systematic abuse of the girl. The prosecution reported that the ring was facilitated by a man known to the victim who treated her as a commodity for sexual purposes in Newcastle.
Judge Tim Gittins noted that the crimes were “heinous” and remanded all four men in custody following the unanimous verdicts. For their actions across the north of England, the defendants were found guilty of varying degrees of involvement. The judge noted that the substantial prison sentences, scheduled for delivery on 18 July 2019, would serve as the final stage of justice for a victim whose childhood was devastated by their “wicked” actions.
Sentences and Conviction Totals
The men convicted at Newcastle Crown Court were found guilty of the following:
- Colin Ankers (45), Waterville Road, North Shields: 14 counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault.
- Philip Taylor (60), Whiteley Avenue, Sowerby, West Yorkshire: Three counts of rape and four counts of indecent assault.
- Darren Smith (36), Irene Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent: Five counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault.
- Paul Cavner (55), Crofton Street, Blyth: One count of rape and one count of indecent assault.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Upon their eventual release from substantial prison terms, all four men will be managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Northumbria Police, Staffordshire Police, and West Yorkshire Police. Due to the “heinous” nature of the 37 counts of child abuse in Newcastle, their management will be subject to intensive, lifelong oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As members of the Sex Offenders Register, Ankers, Taylor, Smith, and Cavner must comply with notification requirements regarding their identity and residence for the remainder of their lives. Authorities state that their history of participating in the organised sexual exploitation of a child necessitates permanent and stringent monitoring of their conduct. Any further sexual misconduct or breach of their lifelong registration requirements in North Shields, Blyth, Stoke, or elsewhere will result in immediate arrest and a return to the court system for further incarceration.
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.