Further perpetrators of sexual abuse and exploitation of teenage girls in Rotherham have been dealt with by the courts. 

On 27 September David Fish, 46 was convicted of subjecting a young girl, who was 15 when the grooming started, to years of sexual and physical abuse.  She was raped, assaulted and made to take part in sexually explicit videos.  Fish, who was many years her senior, would regularly ply her with drugs and alcohol and coerce her into sex.

Although Fish denied the allegations, a police search of his computer found images of the complainant as a child.   He pleaded guilty to two sexual offences and was found guilty by a jury of two further offences including rape and unlawful wounding.  Fish will be sentenced on 5 November.

The conviction follows a succession of convictions over the last year which have been brought following investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) of historic sexual abuse crimes in Rotherham in the late 1990s and 2000s.  The convictions show that it is never too late to report matters to the police, and survivors will now be taken seriously.

Switalkis have brought civil claims on behalf of survivors of abuse in Rotherham and across the country who were subject to harm as children and young people and payments of damages has been secured from those who let them down.

Contact our specialist child abuse lawyers

Switalskis represent a number of survivors of historical child sexual exploitation, including women who suffered abuse in Rotherham.

If you would like a confidential chat about any of the issues raised above and to see if you might have a claim, please contact Sally Smith in the Abuse Department on 01924 882000 or by email at sally.smith@switalskis.com .  You do not need to have reported matters to the police in order to proceed.

Gross Misconduct: One Woman’s Legal Journey Through and Beyond Exploitation in Rotherham

David Greenwood, director, solicitor and head of Switalskis abuse team has co-authored a book alongside his client Anna Rotherham (not her real name). In the book Anna shares her experiences of the grooming gangs in Rotherham. Growing up in a working-class family on a council estate, Anna faced challenges from a young age. Her home life was difficult, with her father in prison and experiencing parental neglect. At a young age Anna moved into foster care, seeking a more stable environment.

It was during this time that Arshid "Ash" Hussain came into her life, offering her drugs and alcohol by way of grooming. By the age of 12, Anna had been in contact with the police multiple times, yet there was little intervention.

David Greenwood began working with Anna in 2015, guiding her through the legal process and supporting her through the trials against Hussain. Over the next five years, David and Anna worked together to hold those responsible to account, including Rotherham Council and South Yorkshire Police. Hussain was eventually sentenced to 35 years, but the fight for justice continues, with David representing over 100 other survivors.

The book sheds light on the ongoing efforts to seek accountability and support survivors, while highlighting the strength and resilience of those, like Anna, who are determined to rebuild their lives.

Our team is currently handling claims following the 2014 Alexis Jay Report, which exposed serious failures by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) and other authorities. Over 1,400 children were identified as victims of grooming gangs in Rotherham, yet child sexual exploitation remains a concern today.

From denial to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, talking to the police and salvation through caring for her children and horses, this fascinating woman’s story in her own words recounts her journey’s highs and lows with essential context from her lawyer. You can read the Gross Misconduct: One woman’s legal journey through and beyond exploitation in Rotherham on paperback. Find out more here.