Operation Stovewood: Two brothers jailed for abusing children in Rotherham

Two brothers have been imprisoned for raping young girls in the 2000s.

Mark Evans, 36, and Robert Evans, 40, was found guilty of raping and abusing children during 2006 to 2008 at Sheffield Crown Court and have today (28 March 2025) been jailed for 14 years and 17 years imprisonment.

One of the victims was 13 at the time of attacks and was supplied alcohol by Mark Evans before being raped by him. This same victim was attacked by his brother Robert Evans several months later when he lured her to a home in Rotherham.

Another woman related how she too was raped by both brothers when she was 14.

She and the first victim were later lured by Robert Evans to a house, on a separate occasion to when the first victim was attacked by him. At the house, Robert Evans forced the second girl into a room and raped her.

The third victim was age 13 when Mark Evans began grooming her by giving her alcohol and drugs and later forced her into a public space where he raped her.

Samantha Thompson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The Evans brothers targeted and groomed young girls including with alcohol and drugs, for child sexual abuse and rape.

“The lifelong physical and emotional trauma caused to victims by men like the Evans brothers cannot be understated. This type of conduct has equally damaged the community confidence of Rotherham.

“We would like to thank the victims in this case for coming forward and reporting this devastating crime. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that the CPS will continue to relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, whenever that abuse took place.

“I encourage any victims of child sexual abuse and sexual violence to report the crimes committed against them to the police. You are not alone and there is always help available.”

Speaking after the sentencing, National Crime Agency Senior Investigator Kim Boreham said: “I would like to recognise the courage and strength of the three victims in this case. For almost twenty years these women have suffered the profound consequences of Mark and Robert Evans’ crimes, while the two men continued their lives as normal.

“These brave women have been determined to receive justice and the National Crime Agency has matched their resolve, ensuring the Evans brothers have been held to account.

“I hope the victims will find some peace in knowing their attackers are no longer living free today.

“I encourage anyone who sexually abused as a child, no matter how long ago, to report it to the police. Every victim deserves justice.”