Cops praise sex abuse survivors after predator is jailed

Victims urged to come forward and officers say they're here to help

- Sentinel Reporter

POLICE have praised the bravery of a predator's victims after he was handed a 15-year extended jail sentence.

Bobby Whalley was convicted by a jury of 17 sexual offences against four schoolgirls aged 12 and 13.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he befriended and groomed his victims in Newcastle and manipulated them so they fell in love with him. He would then control the youngsters telling them he was 'their god'. Three of the children engaged in sexual activity.

One of the survivors bravely told someone what happened in 2020, prompting detectives to launch an investigation. The court heard the abuse has had a devastating impact on all four victims.