At Switalskis, we represent survivors of child sexual exploitation in Derby, helping victims and their families seek justice and compensation for historic abuse.

In 2010, the scale of exploitation in Derby was revealed after an undercover police operation exposed a group of men grooming and abusing vulnerable girls. Survivors, many aged between 12 and 18, were targeted with alcohol, lifts in cars and false promises before being subjected to sexual abuse.

What Happened in Derby

The Derby child sex abuse ring involved 13 men of mainly Pakistani descent, who are believed to have abused up to 100 girls in the city. After a covert investigation by Derbyshire Police, members of the ring were charged with 75 offences relating to 26 girls.

In 2010, nine men were convicted of grooming and raping young girls. The ringleaders, Abid Mohammed Saddique and Mohammed Romaan Liaqat, both married men with young children, were found to have repeatedly targeted girls in the city. CCTV evidence showed them attempting to lure girls into their car, while police later discovered alcohol hidden in their vehicle. Saddique was convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old in Darley Park, and Liaqat of raping a 14-year-old in their car.

Ongoing Concerns

The Derby case provoked fierce national discussion about race, grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation. While convictions brought some measure of justice, the case highlighted how widespread the problem was and the devastating impact on survivors. It also reinforced the urgent need for authorities to act decisively to prevent further exploitation.

How Switalskis Can Help

We know how difficult it is to talk about experiences of grooming and abuse. Our specialist child abuse lawyers provide a safe, confidential environment where you can share your story and explore your legal options without pressure.

We offer a confidential, no-obligation consultation to help you understand whether you may be able to bring a claim. Whether your experience was historic or you have ongoing safeguarding concerns, our team is here to provide compassionate, expert legal support.

Contact our specialist child abuse solicitors

If you were affected by grooming gangs in Derby, please call us on 01924 881 000 for a confidential discussion with one of our child abuse lawyers.

Amy Clowrey , director and solicitor in our abuse claims team, specialises in child sexual abuse compensation with a particular interest in claims involving child sexual exploitation and grooming. She has been heavily involved in supporting victims of grooming scandals across the country.

Navigating the legal maze of a child abuse claim can be tough, especially when you’re already dealing with emotional pain. That’s where we come in. At Switalskis, we’re not just experts in law – we’re people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.

From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll find a caring and confidential environment. We know how hard it is to talk about abuse, and we’re here to listen without judgement. Our team is led by David Greenwood and they are highly skilled in handling both recent and historical abuse claims. We’ll explain all your options in simple terms, so you know exactly what steps are available.

We’ll help you gather all the necessary evidence to make your case as strong as possible. This could include medical records, witness statements or any other documents that could help. We’ll make sure you’re well-prepared and understand what’s happening at every stage.

Legal fees can be a worry, but we’re upfront about costs from the start. We’ll discuss our fee structure clearly, so there are no surprises later on.

 We’re not just here for the legal process. We understand the emotional toll a child abuse claim can take, and we’re here to offer emotional support as well. Once your case is resolved, our support doesn’t just stop. Whether you secure child abuse compensation or achieve another form of justice, we’ll guide you through the next steps and any further actions you may want to take. 

At Switalskis, we’re more than just child abuse solicitors – we’re a team committed to helping you through one of the most challenging times of your life. We’re here to offer expert, compassionate support every step of the way.