Two Rotherham rapists jailed for decades after assaulting vulnerable girls, referring them as 'Fresh Meat'

Two males who were implicated in the exploitation of vulnerable teenage girls in Rotherham were given long prison sentences. Romuald Stephan Houfouet, 37, and Absolom Sigio, 42, were found guilty of serial abuse of two 15-year-old girls for a year. The men were given 20 years and 18.5 years' imprisonment, respectively, for their atrocities.

The court was told that the men staged parties at which they targeted "extremely vulnerable" girls. They got the victims drunk until they were unconscious and then called them "fresh meat" before subjecting them to brutal sexual attacks. Judge Sarah Wright decried their actions, saying that the abuse inflicted "severe psychological harm" on the victims, which still lingers today.

Targeting vulnerable girls

The exploitation started in 2011 when the two men exploited girls who lived in care homes. The vulnerable young victims, who already had "chaotic lives," were drawn into a pattern of exploitation. Houfouet and Sigio exploited the girls with cigarettes and alcohol, asking for sexual favors in exchange. One victim was attacked by Sigio two to three times a week for a period of time.

Courageous victims and justice served

In the investigation under Operation Stovewood—a probe into historic child sexual exploitation in Rotherham—officers recognized the adult women as victims. One victim, who had been threatened by Sigio throughout the investigation, courageously defied his intimidation efforts, resulting in further charges against him.

Third acquitted but awaiting sentencing

A third defendant, Jack Brozowski, 35, was acquitted on a charge of inciting a child to sexual activity but had already pleaded guilty to having sex with a minor. His sentencing is due next April 14.

Senior Investigating Officer Cath Blain told the court that the case was one of the most distressing she had ever dealt with. She commended the victims for their remarkable bravery in reporting what had happened and hoped their convictions would at least give them a measure of justice and closure.