Our child abuse compensation team have recently represented Fiona, a survivor of child sexual exploitation and grooming in West Yorkshire. Her case forms part of a broader pattern of abuse that targeted vulnerable children in Keighley during the 1990s.

Fiona entered the care system as a teenager and was systematically targeted and abused over a prolonged period.

Despite experiencing unimaginable harm, Fiona has shown immense courage in coming forward. She waived her legal right to anonymity in 2024, determined to use her voice to highlight the scale of abuse and to encourage others who are still suffering in silence to seek justice.

Criminal convictions and a landmark appeal

In early 2025, three men were convicted of offences against Fiona. The charges related to multiple counts of rape when she was just 14 and 15 years old.

Following a review under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Court of Appeal later increased their sentences, acknowledging that the original terms did not reflect the seriousness of the offences.

Ongoing legal action against authorities

Fiona is represented by Amy Clowrey , Solicitor and Director in our nationally recognised child abuse team at Switalskis. Amy and the team brought civil proceedings on Fiona’s behalf and supported her through the justice process.

Fiona is now pursuing further action against West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council for negligence and breaches of her human rights. Her legal claim argues that both authorities failed to protect her from known risks of exploitation, despite having sufficient knowledge and opportunity to intervene.

These proceedings are being brought alongside other survivors of child sexual exploitation in the area. The legal process has been long and complex, but our team remains committed to securing accountability on behalf of our clients.

Fiona is also working  alongside our team to support local MP Robbie Moore’s for an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Bradford. The campaign was recently featured in The Yorkshire Post alongside Switalskis solicitor David Greenwood , who continues to push for systemic change on behalf of survivors.

How we can support you

This case was pursued with the dedicated support of solicitors from Switalskis’ Child Abuse Compensation team. We have decades of experience supporting survivors of CSE, including those affected in Rotherham, West Yorkshire, and beyond.

If you or someone you know has experienced similar circumstances and is seeking legal advice, please get in touch. All enquiries are confidential, and we’ll support you at your pace.

To speak to one of our specialist child abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.