THE 95-year jail terms handed down today "finally" send a strong message to predatory paedophile gangs, the NSPCC said.

The child protection organisation, however, criticised police and social services for how long it took them to realise the extent of the abuse happening to six girls in Oxford.

A spokesman said: "Anyone involved in sexually exploiting children must expect a severe custodial sentence – the jail terms today finally send a strong message to grooming gangs. But today’s result will bring little relief to the young victims who may have suffered irrevocable damage. For them the story doesn’t end here and they will need years of support to rebuild their lives.

"Whilst we recognise the authorities in Oxford did eventually take effective and coordinated action, this took far too long. There was a systematic failure to stop the gang earlier and protect the girls who raised the alarm on several occasions. The trial revealed that staff knew one of the girls was being sexually groomed yet no immediate action was taken. We need a fundamental shift in how the system treats vulnerable young people with all carers acting as good parents would when children are at risk.

"The positive development from all of this is that professionals are now treating the girls as victims and not delinquent children. This means more cases are being picked-up and those needing help are getting the right protection. Last year, the NSPCC helped directly around 200 girls and boys, some as young as eleven, who were at risk of grooming.

"We must build on the lessons learned here and make sure we now see the promised changes in culture from the police and the criminal justice system in which children coming forward to allege sexual abuse are treated seriously. In addition, we have to educate young people to stay safe and the NSPCC is working with schools and care homes to advise professionals and children on how grooming works and the con tricks groomers employ."