Amy Clowrey, director and solicitor within the child abuse department in Wakefield-based Switalskis, has commented on the recently announced transition for Operation Stovewood.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is transitioning Operation Stovewood, the most extensive investigation into child abuse in the United Kingdom. Launched in 2014, the operation focuses on non-familial child sexual exploitation in Rotherham spanning from 1997 to 2013.
Over the past nine years, NCA officers have made significant strides, resulting in over 200 arrests and 26 convictions. With more than 50 active investigations ongoing, the agency has identified over 1,100 victims and engaged with as many as possible. Despite the NCA’s commitment to seeing ongoing cases through the criminal justice process, a new phase is set to begin on 1 January 2024.
From that date forward, the NCA will no longer initiate new investigations under Operation Stovewood. Instead, South Yorkshire Police will handle any new allegations. Philip Marshall, head of investigations for NCA Stovewood, emphasised that while the agency will cease opening new cases, they will continue to prioritise existing investigations and treat victims with the same dedication.
Marshall stated, “We remain determined to seek justice for as many victims as possible”. The transition aims to be seamless, ensuring that individuals coming forward after 1 January 2024, will receive consistent support.
Amy Clowrey commented on the change of hands. She stated that she believes the transition to be premature whilst so many criminal investigations are still ongoing. Amy also highlighted that many women repeatedly went to South Yorkshire Police to tell them what was happening to them at the time and were not provided with support. Therefore, there is a lack of trust with South Yorkshire Police due to historical failings. She stated; “I think I think it’s a hard one for them, for the women to digest. And I worry that it will mean that less women are willing to come forward.”
“I do hope that they’ve learned their lesson from the past and that they’ve got a good team set up in light of the fact that everything’s going to pass back over to them.”
Operation Stovewood stands as the largest law enforcement operation of its kind in the UK, unprecedented in scale. The convictions secured thus far have resulted in cumulative jail sentences exceeding 260 years. Neil Cawton’s recent conviction, the 26th since Stovewood’s initiation, highlights the operation’s continued success in bringing offenders to justice.
Rothacs continues to provide support to survivors of abuse in Rotherham.
Image: Switalskis
