'I was 13 and groomed for sex by a gang
New UK|June 26, 2023
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
'I was 13 and groomed for sex by a gang

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.

Denne historien er fra June 26, 2023-utgaven av New UK.

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Denne historien er fra June 26, 2023-utgaven av New UK.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NEW UKSe alt
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