Seven men have been found guilty of using two teenage girls as “sex slaves” in Rochdale.
Their trial at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester heard evidence in relation to 53 sexual offences, believed to have been committed between 2001 and 2006, over 72 days.
One of the victims, who is now in her 30s, told the jury that she was labelled a “prostitute” by social services in Rochdale when allegations against the men first came to light.
Their trial was told that she and the other victim were groomed from the age of 13 and forced to have sex with the men “whenever and wherever” they wanted – including on rancid mattresses, in car parks and alleyways.
Both victims were given drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes by the men involved, the court heard. They were also introduced to taxi drivers for sexual exploitation.
Jurors deliberated for around three weeks – and delivered their unanimous guilty verdicts on Friday.
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