Ex-Liberal Democrat MP reveals ordeal of two-year ‘paedophile ring’ investigation
A former Liberal Democrat MP has revealed he was a suspect into a two-year investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a teenage girl.
John Hemming, who represented Birmingham Yardley, issued a statement on his blog after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided to drop the case against three people.
It followed allegations made by Esther Baker, who claimed she was repeatedly sexually abused by a paedophile ring in the 1980s and 1990s.
Police confirmed the CPS had now concluded there was “insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction of any suspect” in the case.
Mr Hemming (pictured) wrote: “There are many worse things that happen to people, but this was a really bad experience.
“I am normally someone who helps other people fight injustice. Being subject to an unjust campaign of vilification is something I do not wish to repeat.”
Mr Hemming thanked his partner Emily Cox, his children and his solicitor Ayaz Iqbal for helping him through the experience.
Ms Baker, who waived her right to anonymity, told Sky News in 2015 she was regularly taken with other children into the countryside in Cannock Chase in the Midlands where she was raped.
She also claimed uniformed police officers were present during some of her ordeals.
Staffordshire Police said it had completed a “thorough and sensitive investigation into a number of non-recent child sexual abuse allegations made by Esther Baker”.
“We submitted the findings to specialist lawyers at the Crown Prosecution Service who have now concluded that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction of any suspect in this case,” a force spokesman said.
Three people were interviewed under caution during the investigation, one of whom was arrested but has been released from bail, the force said.
Superintendent Amanda Davies said: “It was vital we gave the victim the time, space and support she needed to disclose the information.
“Over 100 hours of interviews were conducted by specially trained officers, and throughout the investigation we have kept her informed and continued to provide support.
“In this case Esther made the difficult decision to waive her right to anonymity and we will continue to support her, as we would with all victims of crime.
“We want to take this opportunity to reassure other potential victims that their identity is protected by law.
“Supporting victims remains our absolute priority, rest assured you can contact us confident that you will be listened to and we will provide the support you need.”
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