'I was 13 and groomed for sex by a gang

Christina O'Connor tells new about the years of horrific abuse and her evidence in the Operation Tendersea probe that led to the jailing of 11 men

- ANN CUSACK

There was no feeling quite like it; tearing across the muddy school field, my ponytail streaming in the wind. “Quick Tina!” yelled one of my friends. “I can see Miss Williams at the window.” Giggling, I ran even faster. A few moments later we were out on the lane, away from school, away from the bullies.

For 13 years I’d been a model daughter and then a model student. I’d never stepped out of line. I hadn’t had a single unauthorised absence, or even a late mark, on my school record.

But after starting high school in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, I was bullied over my weight. I carried a couple of extra pounds, as most of my family did. It had never seemed a problem until the teasing began.

For over a year I put up with it. Every day there were nasty comments and sneers behind my back. Aged 13, I decided I couldn’t take any more and started to play truant. Each morning, I went in and registered, before escaping across the school field. For months it was fun. We hung around the shops or the park. Then, one morning, as I was waiting at the bus station, three men came over.

“Fancy a cigarette?” one asked.

I didn’t like to admit I’d never smoked before. They were all so much older than us. So when they suggested meeting up after school, at the local park, I felt flattered.

That night the men brought more cigarettes and a bottle of vodka. I’d never been drunk – I felt so grown up. One of the men, who introduced himself as Pretos, seemed to be in charge.

“See you tomorrow,” he said.