South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings, said: “These sentences reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed and demonstrate that justice has been served on those who have committed these truly horrendous crimes.

“All of us in South Yorkshire owe a debt of gratitude to these young women who have been instrumental in bringing this case to a conclusion. They have relived their harrowing experiences in a public court of law and they have remained strong in the face of intensive interrogation.

“Justice was denied to them when they were being groomed and abused and the authorities did not listen. I hope the length of these sentences will give them confidence as they seek to rebuild their lives in the community and I hope too that other victims will now be assured and listened to.

“This trial and its successful outcome sends a clear message to other victims and survivors that they can now come forward and that South Yorkshire Police, and other agencies, will take them seriously and act to take their cases through the courts and bring their perpetrators to justice.

“The South Yorkshire Police investigation team, the Crown Prosecution Service, Rotherham Council and victims’ services should also be praised for their role, their dedication and their tenacity which has led to this result today.

“At the time of the Jay Report South Yorkshire Police was in a very bad place. This trial is the first step in that long journey of restoring public trust and confidence.”