Mate Maka

Mate Maka, an 18-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced to three years in prison on 28 July 2022 at Stafford Crown Court for engaging in sexual activity with a child. He was arrested on 19 December 2018 along with six others in an operation by Staffordshire Police's Child Protection and Exploitation Team, probing the sexual exploitation of three 13-year-old girls in Burton-upon-Trent between May and September 2018. The case proceeded through two trials in June 2021 and February 2022.

Maka was found guilty of sexual activity with a child, part of the broader pattern of offences against the vulnerable girls. Detective Sergeant Julie Pointon lauded the victims' fortitude: “We welcome these sentences and I would like to pay tribute to the girls’ incredible bravery in coming forward initially and throughout this long and complex investigation.”

The cumulative 51 years of sentences for all involved reflect the court's condemnation of the crimes. As per Detective Constable Darren Mattocks: “We remained focused on seeking justice and providing support to the victims, who remained our first priority.” This was covered in Staffordshire Police's statement on 2 August 2022, detailing the resolution of the investigation.