MP Kris Hopkins welcomes rape case outcome (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

MP Kris Hopkins welcomes rape case outcome

7:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News By Chris Tate, T&A Reporter

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins has welcomed news that the two men have been found guilty of drugging, raping and sexually abusing young girls in hotel rooms after picking them up on streets in Keighley.

Speaking from Westminster, Mr Hopkins said: “My first thoughts are with the victims of these sick and appalling crimes.

“The perpetrators have no place in a civilised society, and the people of Keighley can be pleased that two more child abusers have been removed from our streets.

“By the time the current police investigations have concluded, I believe many more of these vile individuals will be safely behind bars.

“I must thoroughly commend those officers whose sterling efforts have resulted in these convictions.”

Referring to new calls for children’s abuse cases to be investigated properly, he said: “I must welcome today’s speech from Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, who is absolutely right to say that, in the past, there has been too much focus on the credibility of child abuse victims and not enough on the suspects.

“I have had a number of very positive discussions in recent weeks with the Home Secretary, Theresa May, and the Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles on these matters.

“I also expect to meet with the Education Secretary, Michael Gove, in the coming days to stress the need for a joined-up approach across the most senior levels of Government in the fight against child abuse.

“My talks thus far have made clear that I am pushing at an open door.”