DAVID FISH SENTENCED IN ROTHERHAM FOR YEARS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

A man named David Fish, aged 46 and residing in Kilnhurst, Rotherham, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after a lengthy investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) uncovered a disturbing history of sexual abuse against a vulnerable young girl. The abuse, which spanned over two years, involved Fish raping, physically assaulting, and coercing the girl into participating in sexually explicit videos, all while exploiting her trust and innocence.

The grooming process began in 2007 when the victim was approximately 15 years old and in care. Fish, who was then in his twenties, initiated contact with her and her friends at a local park in Rotherham. After establishing a connection, Fish exchanged phone numbers with the girl, setting the stage for a series of manipulative and abusive encounters. The victim later described her infatuation with Fish, who often used drugs and alcohol to manipulate her, gradually coercing her into sexual acts under the guise of affection and attention.

The victim recounted a particularly traumatic incident where she awoke to find Fish raping her. She also revealed that Fish's violence was not limited to sexual coercion; on one occasion, when Fish suspected she was flirting with someone else, he reacted with extreme violence by smashing a mug against her head, causing a wound that required stitches. These acts of violence and exploitation left deep scars, both physical and emotional.

The investigation into Fish's crimes was initiated in 2018 by officers from Operation Stovewood, the NCA's comprehensive probe into historic allegations of sexual abuse in Rotherham. The case was triggered after the victim, by then in her twenties, reported her experiences to the police. She later agreed to speak with NCA investigators, providing a detailed account of her ordeal. Her testimony was supported by corroborating evidence, which led to Fish's arrest in 2020.

During the investigation, authorities seized Fish's computer, and digital forensic experts meticulously examined its contents. They uncovered graphic images of the victim as a child, which Fish had taken and stored. These images served as crucial evidence, confirming the victim's account that Fish had filmed sexual videos of her, a charge Fish vehemently denied. The evidence played a significant role in establishing his guilt.

Fish faced multiple charges, including two counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of causing or inciting child prostitution or pornography, one count of rape, and one count of unlawful wounding. On November 5th, at Sheffield Crown Court, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison for these offenses.

Steve Palmer, an officer involved in the case from the NCA, expressed his relief that justice had been served after such a long period. He emphasized the importance of the victim's courage in coming forward and praised the diligent work of the investigators. Palmer stated, "Fish has faced justice seventeen years after targeting, manipulating, and abusing a vulnerable young girl, thanks to the courage of the victim and the hard work of National Crime Agency investigators. Investigators listened to the victim's account and subsequently identified corroborating evidence. Though the victim will always live with what Fish did, I hope his sentencing will bring her a measure of peace and allow her to move forward."

Palmer also urged other victims of child sexual abuse to come forward, reinforcing that it is never too late to report such crimes. He advised victims to contact police via 101 or visit their local station, where specially trained officers are available to provide support.

Jeanette Smith, a Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), condemned Fish's actions, describing the abuse as a cruel campaign of violence and manipulation. She highlighted how Fish used gifts, drugs, and alcohol to groom and control the young girl, employing threats and violence to enforce his demands for sex. Smith emphasized the lasting impact such abuse can have on victims and expressed gratitude for the victim's bravery in speaking out. She added, "The way he used threats and violence to then control the victim and enforce his demands for sex was completely despicable. This kind of abuse can cause lifelong physical and emotional trauma, and I would like to thank the victim in this case for her courage in coming forward and talking to the police about what happened to her. I hope she can find some comfort in knowing that this offender has now been brought to justice."

The NCA's Operation Stovewood remains the largest investigation of its kind, focusing on allegations of sexual abuse in Rotherham from 1997 to 2013. To date, the operation has identified over 1,100 victims, and 37 individuals, including David Fish, have been convicted. The investigation continues, with more than 50 active inquiries still ongoing, underscoring the ongoing efforts to address and combat historic abuse in the region.