Three more men have been convicted of sexual offences against children in Rotherham as part of Operation Stovewood, the National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation in the town. 

The offences were committed between 2011 and 2012 by the men who organised “parties” at which the children were given alcohol and then sexually abused.  One of the offences also took place in an alleyway in Rotherham town centre. The children were referred to by the men as “fresh meat” and were raped repeatedly over the period of around a year.  One of the girls described being raped 2 to 3 times per week.  The two girls were residents at a care home in Rotherham, and chaotic lives and vulnerability were exploited by the men for their own ends.  The abuse followed a common pattern of the men giving the girls cigarettes, alcohol and lifts in taxis, and then demanding sex in return.

Two of the men: Romauld Stefan Houphouet, and 37, Absolom Sigiyo, 42, were found guilty of raping two 15-year-old girls on numerous occasions between 2011 and 2012.

Sigiyo was also found guilty of witness intimidation.  Jacek Brzozwski, 35, pleaded guilty to sexual activity with one of the girls.

The two survivors of the abuse, now in their 20s were initially approached by officers from the NCA after being identified as potential victims of abuse and the men were charged in 2022. 

At a sentencing hearing on 5 March 2025, Houphouet  was jailed for 20 years and Sigiyo for 18 1/2 years. Brzozowski will be sentenced in April.

Switalskis Solicitors have represented a large number of clients in Rotherham and across the UK who have been victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, securing financial settlements which have allowed them to obtain closure and seek the expert therapeutic help they need to move forwards in their lives. 

If you would like to have a confidential chat with us about abuse which you, or someone you know, has suffered then please contact Sally Smith on sally.smith@switalkis .com or call 01484 882000 .