“Operation Infrared” culminated in a four-week trial at Minshull Street Crown Court between May and June. Three men from the Rochdale and Oldham areas were convicted of a series of offences against two 13-year-old children who were in the care of Rochdale social services. A fourth man pleaded guilty to abducting one of the children, a 13 year old girl, shortly before the trial commenced.
The jury convicted each of the defendants having heard evidence that the defendants variously took the children to different addresses, gave them vodka and cannabis before various sexual offences, including a penetrative sexual act, took place.
Sentence will take place later in the summer.
Neil and Charlotte are also briefed by the complex crime unit of the CPS to prosecute in “Operation Doublet,” later this year. Fourteen men from the Rochdale area will be tried at Minshull Street on an indictment containing 61 counts for sexual offences against numerous girls from Rochdale. Offences range from Conspiracy to rape to penetrative sexual activity with a child. The first trial is set to last seven weeks.