Police release statements from sexual exploitation victims

Police have released statements from the victims of two men after they were sentenced yesterday for sexual exploitation offences against 12 teenage girls in Littlehampton.
Osmon Koroma, left, and Max N'Gasa, right, have been found guilty of sexually exploiting teenage girls from Littlehampton. Picture: Sussex PoliceOsmon Koroma, left, and Max N'Gasa, right, have been found guilty of sexually exploiting teenage girls from Littlehampton. Picture: Sussex Police
Osmon Koroma, left, and Max N'Gasa, right, have been found guilty of sexually exploiting teenage girls from Littlehampton. Picture: Sussex Police

Osmon Koroma, 31, was convicted of eight offences against five girls, while Max N’Gasa, 25, was convicted of 10 offences against seven girls.

Police said the situations in which the girls found themselves is illustrated by these extracts from some of the Victim Impact Statements given to the judge in preparation for sentencing.

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One person said they feel ‘worthless,’ while another said that since the investigation started she had lost three stone in weight, and doesn’t want to eat.

One said: “I don’t want it to happen to anyone else. When I think about my family it has been added stress for them, not just back when it all happened but because of the investigation and police too. No parent wants to know anything like that happening to their daughter, especially at that age.”

One teenager added the experience has made them learn a lot about themselves and other people, saying ‘not everyone is who they make out they are.’

Another person said: “I realise I was young at the time but I was a loud outgoing confident person, who was happy to socialise in large groups and I would have a large group of friends. When it happened to me I started to question why it happened and did I do something to deserve it?

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An NSPCC spokesperson said: “These depraved individuals duped 12 young, vulnerable girls into believing they were in a committed relationship.

“The truth was, the girls had been systematically groomed and sexually exploited over four years. The custodial sentences rightly send the message that child sexual exploitation must stop.

“Child sexual exploitation is often referred to as a ‘hidden’ crime. This is why we must all be alert to what is happening in our communities. By spotting the signs we can stop child sexual exploitation in its tracks.”

Lucy Strong of the Sussex Young Witness Service said: “Sussex Young Witness Service is set up to provide practical and emotional support to young victims and witnesses going to court, to ensure all young witnesses give their best evidence in court.

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“Our specially trained case workers are dedicated to work with you to build your confidence and help you through the fear of the unknown.

“To contact our services please call 01273 474120. For further information on going to court, please visit our interactive courtroom – www.youandco.org.uk/going-court/interactive-courtroom’”

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