Blackpool man among eight to appear in court accused of being part of Rochdale grooming gang
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Eight men were accused of “widespread sexual exploitation and abuse” of two girls aged between 12 and 16 between 2002 and 2006, Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard.
A total of 84 charges were made after Greater Manchester Police launched Operation Lytton – an investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation.
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Hide AdOne of the men who appeared in court was 36-year-old Martin Rhodes, of Dinmore Avenue, Blackpool.
He was charged with six offences including rape and sexual activity with a child.
As the first defendant was brought into court, District Judge John McGarva told prosecuting lawyers: “I’m aware there is significant public interest in this case.
“I think it would be useful to give a nutshell account of what we are dealing with.”
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Hide AdCharlotte Rimmer, prosecuting, told the court: “We are dealing with a case, known in an over-arching manner as Operation Lytton, an investigation into allegations brought by two individuals, between 2002 and 2006, when these two females were aged between 12 and 16.
“These are allegations of widespread sexual exploitation and abuse, following grooming, by a number of defendants in the Rochdale area.”
Neither victim, as a complainant of sexual offences, can be publicly identified.
The accused were brought into court one by one, except one who appeared by videolink.
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Hide AdNo pleas were formally entered and all were given conditional bail to appear at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, next month.