Absolom Sigiyo

Absolom Sigiyo, a Zimbabwean national now aged 41 from Catcliffe in Rotherham, was convicted alongside Romulad Stefan Houphouet at Sheffield Crown Court of multiple sexual offences, including rape, in a case exposing the systematic grooming and abuse of two vulnerable teenage girls. The five-week trial detailed how the defendants and their associates exploited the girls, who were residents of a children's home, by gaining their trust through alcohol, cigarettes, and attention at house parties, leading to repeated sexual assaults over six months.

The abuse took place more than 10 years ago within the timeframe of the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal (1997-2013), as uncovered by the National Crime Agency's Operation Stovewood. Prosecutor Gordon Stables explained that after Houphouet brought the girls to a house in Rotherham, Sigiyo selected one as his victim, engaging in regular penetrative sexual activity with her multiple times a week. The girls were rendered 'powerless' and conditioned to believe sexual acts were a form of repayment for the gifts received, only to be discarded once the men were satisfied. This grooming occurred in an environment of dependency, with the victims often left to find their own way home afterwards.

• Sigiyo was introduced to the victims at a house party shortly after they were befriended by Houphouet.
• He targeted one specific girl, raping her repeatedly over six months.
• The assaults happened several times weekly, often with the girls intoxicated.
• Associates of the defendants were also involved in the exploitation.

Kath Blain, senior investigating officer for the NCA, remarked: 'Sigiyo and Houphouet lured two vulnerable girls to parties where they kept the children intoxicated so they could abuse them in the worst ways.' This case is part of Operation Stovewood, launched post the 2014 Jay Report that revealed the abuse of at least 1,400 girls by predominantly Pakistani heritage gangs in Rotherham. The operation has become the UK's largest law enforcement effort of its kind, identifying over 1,100 victims and costing around £90 million.

Judge Sarah Wright remanded Sigiyo in custody following the guilty verdict, with sentencing set for Wednesday. Crown Prosecution Service specialist prosecutor Martin McRobb noted: 'The victims in this case are now adults but they have had to live with the trauma caused by the vile and serious sexual offences committed against them in their youth. We know it can be difficult to talk about such abuse, and I would like to extend my thanks to the victims for the courage and fortitude they showed.' The convictions underscore ongoing efforts to deliver justice for survivors of these historical abuses.