Following an investigation by police from the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood, a Rotherham Paedophile David Saynor was convicted guilty of grooming and sexually abusing adolescent females in Rotherham through his limousine company.
David Saynor, 76, of Rotherham, committed a series of crimes against girls in the late 2000s and early 2010s, taking them for rides in his vehicles, offering them alcohol, encouraging them to undress or dance for him, and, in some cases, raping or sexually assaulting them.
His victims were between the ages of 12 and 18 when the crimes occurred. They were occasionally picked up from school or care homes in his extended Hummer, taken to and from Rotherham’s adolescent discos, or simply driven around the area.
Girls were given money to buy cigarettes, food, and, on occasion, drugs. David Saynor actively urged them to contact him if they needed to be picked up from anywhere and frequently advised them to bring buddies.
On one occasion, he picked up one of his victims, who was only 12 or 13 at the time, and drove them back to the yard where he kept his limousines. He proceeded to rape her in an office block.
One victim was molested repeatedly over the course of two years, when she was 14 and 15 years old. She recalls being picked up in her school uniform alongside other girls and offered beer, cigarettes, and money. David Saynor once raped her in the back of the limousine while she was alone. Later, he threatened to harm her family if she told anyone.
Another victim, who was 16 years old and in care at the time, was initially hired by David Saynor to distribute pamphlets for his company. On one occasion, she was driven to an unfamiliar area of Sheffield and instructed to perform a sexual act on him or be abandoned there, miles from home and with no way of returning.
The NCA apprehended David Saynor in 2020 after a number of victims identified him.
Following a five-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court, he was found guilty of 15 crimes involving eight victims. He will be sentenced on August 15.
Stuart Cobb, NCA Senior Investigating Officer, stated that David Saynor utilised his limousine firm as a front for grooming underage girls, earning their trust and then abusing them.
“He was a crafty predator who targeted those who were vulnerable or from problematic backgrounds, offering them money or drink in exchange for their trust.
“When girls disobeyed his requests, he would frequently resort to intimidation and threats.
“The victims in this instance demonstrated amazing fortitude in coming forward and telling their stories, and I applaud them for doing so. I believe today’s convictions illustrate our willingness to seek justice for them, even after so many years.”
David Saynor’s conviction brings the total number of people convicted to 34 as a result of the NCA’s Operation Stovewood, which is investigating accusations of abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.
It is still the largest investigation of its sort in the UK, with over 1,150 possible victims identified. Stovewood also has 50 ongoing investigations.
Stuart Cobb of the NCA added: “I’d like to thank partners such as the CPS, South Yorkshire Police, RMBC, NHS Trauma Resilience, and the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser network for their support during this inquiry.
“Their continued support for the victims in this case has been instrumental in ensuring each individual involved has been able to continue with the judicial process, and this support will continue beyond this verdict.”
According to Sam Thompson, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, “The way David Saynor groomed, threatened, and coerced young girls in the community for his own depraved sexual desires was both cruel and manipulative.”
“Child sexual abuse can result in life-long physical and emotional suffering. We commend the victims in this case for coming forward and telling the court what occurred to them at the hands of David Saynor. Because of their evidence, we were able to create a compelling case and bring this sex offender to justice.
“I hope this conviction sends a clear message that the CPS, in collaboration with law enforcement, will persistently pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever such abuse occurs.
“I would like encourage any victims of child sexual abuse or violence to report the crimes committed against them to the police, no matter how much time has passed.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.