Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner has praised police and victim support services after the sentencing of three men who raped teenage girls in Plymouth.

Abalzaq Salih, 31, from Plymouth, was sentenced to 19 years in prison after being convicted of two counts of raping a female aged 15 or under.

Saif Kahya, aged 32, from Liverpool, was also sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of one count of rape of a female aged 16 or over.

Salih and Kahya were sentenced on September 25 and today (Sept 30) Anthony Anantharajah, aged 35, from London, was sentenced to 13-years in prison after being convicted of one count of rape of a female aged 16 or over.

All three men had denied the charges but were found guilty at Plymouth Crown Court last month.

Throughout the six-week trial, in which the court heard how the older men deliberately targeted four teenage girls, debilitating them with alcohol at house parties before sexually assaulting them. The victims were supported by Barnardo’s Exceed, which the Commissioner has appointed to offer support and information for young residents of Devon and Cornwall who are experiencing or might experience sexual exploitation.

The abuse, which took place in 2017, came to light after another girl came forward and gave key evidence to police having watched the BBC drama Three Girls, which depicted the high-profile Child Sexual Exploitation investigation in Rochdale. The convictions were the result of a lengthy investigation by Devon & Cornwall Police codenamed Operation Garcia.

Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “This case bears some of the hallmarks of others which have taken place across the UK, but with some key differences, here the victims here were listened to, believed, and supported. I would like to thank them, the policing team and Barnardo’s, who have shown that with tenacity and by working together convictions and lengthy prison sentences can be achieved.

“To the offenders who denied their crimes I am pleased that they now have a considerable amount of prison time ahead of them in which they can reflect on their decision not to admit their crimes, one which meant their victims had a longer wait for justice while a trial took place.”

Duncan Stanway, Barnardo’s assistant director in the South West, said: “It has been a very traumatic seven years for these young women, who were aged 14 to 16 when they were sexually exploited.

“They have shown enormous bravery in reporting these crimes and in providing the evidence that has allowed justice to be done.  

“Barnardo’s has been able to provide long-term support to these young women.

“Every year Barnardo’s supports thousands of children and young people who are at risk of exploitation, or have experienced it, to help them recover from trauma and prevent further harm.”

Victims of crime in Devon and Cornwall are provided with support services by the Commissioner, whether or not crimes have been reported to police. For more information visit: Home – Victim Care Devon & Cornwall (victimcare-dc.org)