Petition launched over Rotherham child sex scandal

A PETITION has been launched calling for prosecutions of officers and former councillors over the Rotherham child sex abuse scandal.

London-based Jean Hatchet drew up the petition, which is addressed to home secretary Theresa May and police and crime commissioner Dr Alan Billings, asking them to “begin prosecutions against those at Rotherham Council past and present responsible for covering up widespread child sexual abuse”.

Ms Hatchet’s supporting statement reads: “The Prof Jay report and the recent inquiry into widespread child sexual abuse and the failings of Rotherham Council has resulted in the mass resignation of the cabinet in Rotherham.

“Now we need justice.

“The people responsible for lack of action which has allowed thousands of girls in Rotherham to be groomed and raped cannot simply resign and escape.

“Shaun Wright, Jahangir Akhtar and others including Martin Kimber, Roger Stone and Joyce Thacker must be properly investigated and prosecuted if found guilty of offences.

“This needs to happen urgently so that survivors see justice.”

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