Government needs to act faster on grooming gang inquiry, says survivor

Police Scotland said it was committed to tackling all forms of child sexual exploitation, regardless of the passage of time.

A spokesperson added: “We know how difficult it can be to come forward and the needs of survivors are always at the heart of our victim-centred approach.

“We will continue to work with partners to identify and to protect potential victims, and to tackle child sexual exploitation and grooming.”

Holly also experienced sexual abuse at a secure unit in Edinburgh.

Her evidence played a crucial role in convicting her abuser, carer Gordon Collins.

He was sentenced to 10 years in 2016 for indecent behaviour towards Holly and three other young people in his care.

The court heard he raped one girl over the course of a year.

Amanda Hatton, from City of Edinburgh Council, said: “We want to repeat our apology to Holly – and praise her and others who have bravely come forward to tell their stories.

“Testimonies like Holly’s have already helped us to make significant changes to the service, including the closure of all secure residential accommodation across the city, and we’re confident that children and young people in our care are now safer and better supported.”

Hatton said the council was listening to young people but acknowledged there was more work to be done to “learn lessons from the past”.

“If and where any criminality is suspected, we will always report this to Police Scotland urgently,” she added.

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