POLICE

SENIOR Investigating Officer Simon Morton, of Thames Valley Police, said: “This is a great result for the victims. At last they can see justice has been done.

“The girls can now start to move on with their lives knowing the men that caused them so much pain are locked up.

“More than that, every victim around the country can see that justice does work. If you’ve suffered like these girls have, please come and tell us your story, we can help you.

“There is another message here. Anyone out there who even thinks of committing sexual atrocities like these needs to look over their shoulder and keep looking over their shoulder. We know how you work, we know how you think. Be in no doubt, we are coming for you.”

Supt Christian Bunt, Oxford Local Policing Area Commander, said: “Now these offenders have been brought to justice, we are working hard to continue tackling child sexual exploitation in the city.

“This includes training every member of our frontline staff and running dedicated and regular patrols around the city to identify any potential victims or offenders.”

MUSLIM COMMUNITY

DR Hojjat Ramzy, director of the Oxford Islamic Info Centre, said: “I and the Muslim community are very glad at the result of these heavy sentences.

“The 95-year sentences will demonstrate the severe consequences of such evil actions and will help to prevent anyone who may wish to follow their criminal example and damage the lives of young children from doing so. It is a strong reminder that such disgusting, repulsive and utterly unacceptable behaviour will be confronted with the strong hand of the law without any mercy.

“These acts fall far outside the boundaries of Islam, one cannot claim to be a Muslim and commit such crimes.

“Now these evil predators are behind bars, I would like to hope that they demonstrate remorse and a commitment to reform themselves. I also hope and pray that the girls whose lives have been shattered face a safe and prosperous future and I pray that the future heals their pains and clears their scars.”

  • Mosques across Oxford will today join hundreds of prayer centres around the country pledging their support to stop sexual grooming.

MPs

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said: “Nothing can make good the horrific abuse these victims suffered, but it is right that justice has been done, and I hope these sentences will properly punish these criminals and be an effective deterrent to others.”

Banbury MP Tony Baldry said: “The life sentences handed down in these cases clearly reflect the seriousness and appalling nature of the crimes committed.

“I hope it will be possible to arrange an opportunity for Oxfordshire Members of Parliament collectively to debate these issues with Ministers.”

Henley MP John Howell said: “I think the sentences reflect the seriousness of the crimes.”

Oxford West & Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood said: “I hope the severity of the sentences will send a clear signal to victims across the country that you too can come forward and be believed.”

Didcot & Wantage MP Ed Vaizey said: “I am pleased to see lengthy sentences handed out.”

Witney MP David Cameron was unavailable.

OXCAT

ANDY Dipper, from OXCAT (Oxford Community Against Trafficking) said: “Lessons need to be learnt and quickly. We want to make sure other victims understand we will believe them.”

Speaking of the call by MPs to introduce special courts to deal with child exploitation cases and for increased funding for preventing such crimes, Mr Dipper added: “We have heard the recommendations and now we must see action. “Victims are being stigmatised and discouraged from reporting their horrific abuse because of a system which is ponderous and accusatory.”

COUNTY COUNCIL

COUNTY council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “We welcome the fact that the sentences are so severe and reflect the severity of these awful crimes committed by the men.

“They send a clear message that this sort of barbaric crime will not be tolerated. “We are sorry that these crimes happened and we obviously wish we could have prevented them earlier.

“We have instigated a serious case review that will go through absolutely everything and will make sure that the correct procedures are in place for the future.”

GOVERNMENT

POLICING and Criminal Justice Minister Damian Green said: “I would like to pay tribute to the young victims who have shown great courage in helping bring these perpetrators to justice.

“This horrific case of sexual exploitation shows we must strive harder to protect vulnerable children. A new Home Office-led group will look at how to better identify those at risk and create a more victim-focused culture within the police, health and children’s services.

“But our prime responsibility is, of course, stopping abuse before it starts. The group will be working to target the organised crime networks that perpetrate the sort of systematic abuse we have seen in Oxford.”