Police on Rochdale abuse 'failures'

Men alleged to be part of a child-grooming ring in Rochdale were never brought to justice because the evidence of teenage victims was not pursued, according a former police officer.

Last May nine members of the ring were jailed for a total of 77 years but the former officer told the BBC other abusers "would be off the streets" if the girl's evidence had been used.

The Crown Prosecution Service said it had focused its case on victims who would give the best evidence in court.

The chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, Sir Peter Fahy, warned the current court system is not capable of properly dealing with cases of child sexual exploitation.

Listen to the full report on File on 4 on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday, 26 March at 20:00 GMT and Sunday, 31 March at 17:00 GMT. Listen again via the Radio 4 website or the File on 4 download.