Barrister appointed to chair Telford sexual abuse inquiry

Tom Crowther QC, a former judge with extensive experience of child abuse cases, has been appointed to chair the inquiry into child sexual abuse in Telford.

The inqury, which is being led by law firm Eversheds Sutherland, was set up last year in response to a report in the Sunday Mirror that more 1000 girls and young women may have been sexually exploited by gangs in the Shropshire town since the 1980s.

Mr Crowther's first task will be to finalise the terms of referencefor the inquiry , which has faced criticism from a local MP and others for the time it has taken to be set up.

Mr Crowther QC said: “I’m very pleased to be asked to chair this inquiry. Throughout my career in criminal law I’ve seen attitudes changing to child sexual exploitation but there is still a great deal to be done, and the most important part of that process is hearing from survivors.

"That will be at the core of what we do as we investigate, recognise mistakes and learn from them, to ensure that in future children’s voices will always be listened to.”

Telford and Wrekin Council's cabinet lead Lee Carter said: “Victims and survivors’ representatives have been involved in this appointment process and I am sure that everyone welcomes this major step for the inquiry."