Who Should Be Called To Account In Rotherham?

Many people are asking why no-one in a position of responsibility has been held accountable in the wake of the Rotherham sex abuse scandal.

A devastating report revealed at least 1,400 children were sexually exploited over 16 years - between 1997 and 2013 - with girls as young as 11 repeatedly raped by large numbers of men.

The inquiry found Rotherham council knew as far back as 2005 of sexual exploitation on a wide scale - mostly by Asian men - but failed to act.

Three reports into the extent of sexual abuse were published between 2002 and 2006, but were "ignored or suppressed" by the police and council.

South Yorkshire Police And Crime Commissioner Shaun Wright

Roger Stone (L) stepped down and there are calls for Shaun Wright to quit

However, But Rotherham chief executive Martin Kimber said there was not enough evidence for the council to take action against any employees, while many other were now working elsewhere.

Some of the notable figures in positions of responsibility during the scandal include:

:: Roger Stone - Council Leader

Council leader Roger Stone resigned following the publication of the report. He is the only councillor to lose his position over the scandal. He said he took responsibilty on behalf of the council.

:: Shaun Wright - Police and Crime Commissioner and Rotherham cabinet member for children's services 2005-10

Joyce Thacker (L) has an OBE, and Dr Sonia Sharp (R) now works in Australia

There is mounting pressure for South Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Shaun Wright, to step down.

He was responsible for children's services at the town council for five of the 16 years during which at least 1,400 children were subjected to sexual abuse.

Questions are being asked about others who were in positions of power when the child abuse took place.

:: Joyce Thacker - Head of Child Services, Rotherham Council

Joyce Thacker is head of child services at Rotherham Council. She was given an OBE in 2007 for her work with children.

:: Dr Sonia Sharp - Strategic Director of Children and Young People's Services at Rotherham Council

Dr Sonia Sharp was in position between 2005 and 2008. She now works in the Department of Education in the Australian state of Victoria.