Latest Offenders London

Description

A man has been sentenced to 17 years imprisonment at Portsmouth Crown Court today after being found guilty of 11 non-recent child sex offences in the late 1970s and 1980s.

Chris Cotton, 64, of Byfield Road in Hounslow was convicted on Wednesday 16 September of the 11 offences committed between 1977 and 1985, involving three people who were aged between 3 and 11 years-old at the time.

The majority of the offences took place in Leigh Park, Havant, where Cotton resided at the time, with others taking place at an address in Twickenham, Richmond-on-Thames.

An investigation was launched by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s specialist Operation Amberstone team, following which Cotton was charged in 2023 with the following offences:

• Two counts of rape of a female child
• Six counts of indecent assault of a female person under the age of 14
• Three counts of indecency with a child (inciting a child under the age of 14 to engage in an act of gross indecency)

Cotton pleaded not guilty to the offences, but following an eight-day trial, a jury found him guilty on all counts.

He was sentenced today (Friday 18 September) to 17 years imprisonment, with a further year on extended licence when released. Upon release, he will be subject to lifelong restraining orders against all three victims and has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The officer in the case, DS Hollie Shelton said: 

“The trail of devastation that Cotton has left in his wake is truly appalling. I am very glad to see him be locked up where he can no longer harm vulnerable members of the public.

“This result is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the victims, who, despite delays in the court process, remained strong in their pursuit of justice after suffering lifelong effects of his abuse.

“Even though no length of sentence could make up for the severe suffering he has caused to these victims throughout their lives, I hope it goes some way to providing closure and a feeling that justice has been finally been served.

“I also hope that this result will give them the ability to begin to rebuild their lives, knowing that the man who took advantage of them as vulnerable young children for his own sexual gratification is now facing a significant period of time behind bars.

 “Convictions of this nature show that it is never too late to come forward to police. There are a number of reasons why people do not report to police or to others what happened to them and delays in reporting are not a barrier to seeking justice later in life.

“Allegations of this nature are taken very seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.”

Description

A man has pleaded guilty to the attempted rape of a woman on a Bakerloo Line train, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Vincent Saxon, 54 (17.06.72), and of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday 17 September.

Saxon was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the same court on Friday 30 October.

The incident happened at around 11.40pm on Saturday 11 July.

A man approached a lone woman on the train between Waterloo and Lambeth North station and exposed himself to her.

He then forcibly pulled the victim to the floor and attempted to rape her, however she fought back and subsequently fled the train at Lambeth North before alerting station staff, who then called BTP.

The man stayed on the train before getting off at Elephant and Castle Underground station. Officers searched the area but the man wasn’t found.

An urgent investigation was launched, including a media and social media appeal that resulted in several people coming forward to police with crucial information.

One anonymous caller rang to say that they had seen the appeal and that a man matching Saxon’s description was outside a shop on Fulham Palace Road.

Officers raced to the location and Saxon was arrested. He was taken into custody and later charged.

BTP Detective Sergeant Krishan Appannah said:

“First and foremost I would like to praise the victim for her bravery following what was clearly a terrifying ordeal. She was alone late at night when she was approached and attacked by Saxon without warning.

“She fought back ferociously against him before he fled. Her actions helped us recover vital forensic evidence that, along with our CCTV enquiries, would leave Saxon with no choice but to plead guilty.

“He is a dangerous and predatory offender and I’m pleased to see that we have secured justice for this brave victim, hopefully it will now be able to bring her some form of closure."

Description

A man from Enfield has pleaded guilty to being involved in an online forum where videos of sexual offending and domestic abuse were shared between offenders across the country.

Darren Conway, 52 (17.06.74), of Lonsdale Drive, Enfield was charged on Friday, 26 June with two counts of assisting or encouraging an offence, namely sharing an intimate photograph or film and sexual assault.

He was later further charged with an additional seven counts of encouraging an offence, namely sexual assault, as well as voyeurism and possessing an extreme pornographic image.

He appeared at Wood Green Crown Court today – Friday, 11 September – where he pleaded guilty to all counts.

The online forum was uncovered in October 2025, leading to the establishment of a national coordination group, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Intelligence was then passed to individual police forces to conduct investigations. While conducting their investigation, Greater Manchester Police shared further intelligence with the Met.

Officers began urgent enquiries and identified Conway as one of the group chat members. He was arrested on Thursday, 30 July following the execution of a warrant at his home where digital devices were seized.

Messages found on his devices showed Conway encouraging other group chat members to engage in drug-facilitated sexual offending, alongside images and videos of a sexual nature.

He was found to have urged another member to remove a sleeping woman’s clothing and underwear and to commit sexual offences against her. He later requested that the other member share images while they sexually assaulted her.

Evidence shows that Conway observed sleeping women through the online network more than ten times. The women were unaware that he was viewing them and unable to provide consent.

Commander Andy Day of the Met Police said:

"Drug facilitated sexual offending can have lasting and devastating impacts on its victims.

“Conway’s actions were shocking. By encouraging others to engage in sexual offending against victims who were unconscious, asleep, or otherwise stupefied, he has put women at a serious risk of harm in their own homes - all for his own sexual gratification.

"Anyone who has reason to believe that they may have been a victim of sexual offending should report to police. All victims will be supported by specialist officers and safeguarding can be put into place for their protection.

“We also encourage anyone who has reason to believe somebody they know is involved in this offending to come forward.”

Tracy Easton, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South said:

“Darren Conway committed vile acts against women in their own homes, a place where they should have been safe.

"Organised drug-facilitated sexual assault is abhorrent and we are determined to work with policing to bring offenders to justice.

"I hope this guilty plea gives confidence to anyone who believes they may have been subjected to similar abuse to come forward.”

Conway will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 30 October.

Officers continue to work to identify as many of the victims in the footage on Conway’s devices as they can. While much of the offending is believed to have taken place in the UK, it is also possible that some victims are based overseas.

Anyone concerned about drug facilitated sexual offending or online offending can report information to police by calling 101.

Description

Household Cavalry soldier Graham Jarvis jailed for 12 years after plotting to rape a seven-year-old girl and a 10-month-old baby

Graham Jarvis, 38, a Household Cavalry soldier based at Hyde Park barracks in central London, has been jailed for 12 years after arranging to sexually abuse two children he believed were real.

At Southwark Crown Court on Thursday he was sentenced for two counts of attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence. He denied the charges, was convicted at trial, and has been dismissed from the Army.

In January 2024 Jarvis began talking online with a woman who said she lived in Wales and had daughters aged seven and 10 months. He told her he was “into girls” and arranged to travel to her home in February. The woman was an undercover police officer. He was arrested that month before the meeting could take place.

The court heard he asked about the older girl’s sexual experience and was told she had previously been abused by two men. He also asked the mother to help him rape the baby.

Judge Adam Hiddleston told Jarvis “this was not a case of fantasy on your part.” He said he had no doubt that when the meeting was set up, “you believed the children were real.” He added: “You wanted to meet them and when you did, with the assistance of their mother, you intended to rape them.”

The judge said he read Jarvis’s messages “with horror.” They showed “cold and clinical” treatment of the children and a willingness to “treat them simply as objects to satisfy your urges.”

Lisa Wilson, representing Jarvis, said he was “at a low ebb” during a “traumatic period” when the offences were committed.

Finding that Jarvis may pose an ongoing risk to children, the judge ordered him to serve at least eight years in custody, with two extra years on licence.

Jarvis will be recorded on our database as a convicted child sex offender following this sentence.

Description

A man who groomed a child before sexually abusing them has been jailed.

Ayoob Lakhani, 53, of Carlton Grove, Southwark, London, was sentenced to four counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of meeting a child following grooming at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 4 September.

He was sentenced to nine years in prison with an extended three-year licence, has been handed a 15-year restraining order and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register after he was convicted by a jury following a trial at the same court in June.

The offences are non-recent and involved Lakhani investing “significant time and money” into grooming the victim before the sexual offences were committed against him.

Lakhani met his victim online and claimed he believed them to be over 16, despite being told what school they attended.

He then sent them money for lunch and school books before carrying out the sexual offences.

A victim statement read on behalf of the victim in court said:

“My anxiety is so bad from this whole situation that on days where I feel really anxious, I can’t even leave the house.

“This has impacted me so much financially as I can’t even go to work or do anything. I receive PIP to help me, but I would rather be working. I can’t go to work as I get physically sick from being so anxious.

“Emotionally, I am so drained. I used to get so upset and cry about it but now I can’t even do that.  I can’t cry anymore as I feel numb as I have had this on my mind for so many years, It’s just horrible.”

DC Owen Folland, from our Criminal Investigations Department (CID), said:

“The defendant preyed upon a vulnerable child, investing significant time and money into grooming him before committing sexual offences.

“Even when confronted with overwhelming evidence, he refused to accept responsibility. Instead, he attempted to shift the blame onto a teenage boy, never once acknowledging the harm he caused.

“This conviction sends a clear message that those who groom and sexually exploit children will be identified, investigated and put before the courts. We remain committed to safeguarding young people and ensuring offenders are held accountable for the harm they cause. I would also like to pay tribute to the victim, whose bravery and resilience have been instrumental in securing this outcome.”

Description

A man who sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl in the City of London was sentenced yesterday (Monday 7 September 2026) at Southwark Crown Court.

Sofiane Belasri, 41, of Dalston Lane, E8, was found guilty following a trial in July 2026.

On 4 July 2024, Belasri approached the victim, who was with her two friends, near Liverpool Street station. The friends went on to sit on some steps outside the station on Bishopsgate.

Belasri sat behind the victim and repeatedly touched her, grabbing her and putting his arms around her neck, while trying to kiss her.

The victim told him that she wasn’t interested and to get off her, but Belasri went on to put his arms over her shoulders and touched her breasts.

Belasri then offered to buy them a vape if they went down an alley with him and performed oral sex on him.

At this point, the victim’s friend ran across the road to Bishopsgate Police Station to report Belsari.

City of London Police officers immediately went to the scene and arrested Belasri for sexual assault.

Yesterday, the court gave Belasri a two-year suspended sentence. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years

Detective Inspector Matthew Alexander, of the Public Protection Unit at the City of London Police, said:

“I want to praise the victim and her friends for the bravery they have demonstrated in coming forward. Without her assistance we wouldn’t have been able to bring this case to court.

“We recognise that reporting offences of this nature can be difficult, and we would encourage anyone who has been affected, or who has concerns about the safety of another person, to contact police.

“Our specialist officers are trained to handle reports with care, sensitivity and professionalism, while working relentlessly to investigate offences and bring offenders to justice.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe. We will continue working closely with partners and communities to identify offenders, protect vulnerable people and keep the City a safe place for all who live, work and visit here.

“We are reviewing the sentence handed down by the court.”

Description

A man who sexually assaulted a woman in her twenties at an address in High Wycombe has been jailed for nine years.

Anthony Jones attacked the victim on the evening of 16 July 2022 before leaving the address. The victim immediately contacted police and Jones was arrested two days later.

Jones, aged 39, previously of Falcon Way, Harrow, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault by penetration following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, sitting at Amersham Law Courts.

He was sentenced today (4/9) and given a victim restraining order and made subject to notification for life.

Detective Constable Sarah Simpson, of Buckinghamshire CID, said:

“This conviction reflects the courage and determination shown by the victim throughout the investigation and court process.

“I hope that this outcome provides some sense of justice and demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to supporting victims of crime and holding offenders accountable for their actions.

“I would like to thank the victim for her courage in coming forward and for the trust she placed in us throughout this investigation.

“Sexual offences have a profound and lasting impact on victims, and I hope this conviction reassures anyone who has experienced a similar offence that they will be listened to, supported and taken seriously.”

Description

Detectives have appealed for further victim-survivors to come forward after a martial arts instructor was jailed for sexual offending

Anthony Swanson, 75 (19.05.1951), of Wren Road, Sidcup, subjected a girl, who was then in her early teens, to repeated sexual abuse in the mid-2000s.

He was found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, 7 July of 15 counts including charges of rape, sexual activity with a child and indecent assault. Swanson was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment at the same court on Friday, 28 August.

A Met investigation was launched after the victim-survivor came forward in February 2022 to report the abuse.

She detailed meeting the defendant through martial arts lessons that he ran from a church hall in Beckenham. The classes were run by the organisation Swanson founded in 1995, the Taoist Arts Organisation.

Swanson groomed her, before going on to sexually abuse and rape her on repeated occasions. This included one incident when he raped her during a residential martial arts trip to Bath, Somerset.

The abuse lasted around three years.

She was also abused in the presence of her mother, who cannot be named for legal reasons. The mother pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court on 25 September 2024 to three counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child. She was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years at the same court on Friday, 28 August.

As part of the investigation, detectives conducted video recorded interviews with the victim-survivor and took dozens of statements as they built a compelling case against Swanson. He was interviewed twice by officers, on each occasion denying that he had done anything wrong.

In an impact statement read to the court at Swanson’s sentencing hearing, the victim-survivor said:

"When the abuse initially stopped, I locked it away in my mind and tried to forget and ignore what had happened. It was too traumatic.

"I came to realise through therapy that what he did happened, and that will never change. I will always have to live with the horrific acts of abuse he put me through.

"I am scared to bring children into the world knowing they could be hurt, abused or damaged at the hands of a paedophile like Tony Swanson, like I was.

"Swanson knows what he did to me and always has. He decided to abuse me again by pleading not guilty. He says I tried to ruin him. He has ruined me and shown no remorse."

Detective Constable Leonora Simpson, of the Metropolitan Police, said:

“What happened to this young girl was awful. Anthony Swanson is an evil predator who thought nothing of taking advantage of the position of trust he held to carry out this vile campaign of sexual abuse.

“Based on the gravity of Swanson’s offending, we believe he may have other victims who have yet to come forward.

“We know that Swanson began teaching children’s martial arts classes in the Beckenham and Sidcup area in the early 2000s. He led residential trips to the West Country and Inverness in Scotland.

“I am appealing to potential victims to come forward and speak to us about what happened. Any information will be treated extremely sensitively, and you will be supported by specialist officers.”

Swanson was found guilty of:

• four counts of rape,
• four counts of indecent assault,
• three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child,
• one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and
• three counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Description

A killer who sexually assaulted 10 women on London trains between October 2023 and May 2025, attempting to use a jacket tied around his waist to disguise his actions, has been convicted of a series of offences following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.  

Simon Levy, 40, and of Beaufoy Road in Haringey, was found guilty of 11 counts of Sexual Assault following a trial that ran between Monday 26 January and Wednesday 4 February 2026 at Inner London Crown Court. 

He was sentenced at the same court earlier this year on Tuesday 16 June to six years' imprisonment, with an additional three years on licence.  

Levy has today (7 August) been convicted of two counts of Murder and one of Rape in relation to a Metropolitan Police investigation, meaning reporting restrictions on the BTP trial earlier this year have now been lifted.  

During the BTP trial earlier this year, the court heard how Levy sexually assaulted ten different women on London trains between October 2023 and May 2025, alongside a sexual assault against a prison officer he committed while in HMP Brixton in April 2022.  

Time and again, Levy would board London Underground trains and use a jumper tied around his waist to attempt to conceal his hand as he sexually assaulted women.  

The offences he was convicted of included: 

• A sexual assault on a train near Canada Water on 24 October 2023 
• Two counts of sexual assault on a train near Chancery Lane on 21 October 2024 
• A sexual assault on a train near Liverpool Street on 28 October 2024 
• A sexual assault on a train near Seven Sisters on 27 March 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Finsbury Park on 7 April 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Charing Cross on 8 April 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Stoke Newington on 26 April 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Seven Sisters on 1 May 2025 
• A sexual assault on a train near Westminster on 29 May 2025 

Detective Constable Chris Jeacock said:

"Levy is a depraved and dangerous sexual predator who repeatedly targeted lone women travelling on the London railway network for his own gratification, exploiting busy trains and going to great lengths to conceal his actions.  

“His abhorrent offending was not opportunistic or isolated – it was persistent, calculating and determined, and I have absolutely no doubt that Levy is a twisted individual who deserves to spend the foreseeable future behind bars.  

"I would like to commend the bravery of the victims in this case, for coming forward and for taking the stand to give evidence against him. Their actions are highly commendable, and played a key role in ensuring we had the evidence to bring Levy before the Court.  

"We believe there may be more women who were targeted or assaulted by Levy who may recognise him and have not yet reported what has happened to them. I would urge anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of Levy to get in touch so that we can offer you the support and justice you deserve. 

"If you think you've been the victim of an attack by Levy, or have otherwise been the victim of a sexual assault on the railway network, I would urge you to get in touch with us by texting us on 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40. We take every report seriously, and will do everything we can to support you." 

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man who raped a woman while she slept in her caravan following the Royal Windsor Horse Show has been jailed for more than eight years.

Ryan Dinnage, 32, of Caithness Walk, Croydon, was sentenced to eight years and six months’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Thursday (30/7).

Dinnage was found guilty of one count of rape by a unanimous jury verdict on 8 June following a trial at the same court.

He was acquitted of one count of sexual assault and one count of causing a female to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

In the early hours of 16 May 2022, while the victim was asleep in her caravan, Dinnage entered and raped her.

The offence was reported to police later that day and Dinnage was arrested on 17 May 2022.

During police interviews, Dinnage initially denied any sexual activity with the victim. However, forensic evidence linked him to the offence and he later changed his account, claiming that any sexual activity had been consensual.

Investigators also uncovered digital evidence from Dinnage's mobile phone, which contradicted his account and placed him in the vicinity of the victim's caravan at the time of the offence.

Dinnage was charged by postal requisition on 6 March 2025.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Arshid Ali said:

“I am pleased with the sentence handed down, which reflects the seriousness of this offence.

“Thames Valley Police takes all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and we remain committed to investigating these offences thoroughly and bringing those responsible to justice.

“This has been a long and difficult process for the victim, spanning more than four years. I hope that the sentence handed down provides her with a sense of closure and allows her to begin moving forward with her life.

“I would like to thank her for the courage and strength she has shown throughout the investigation and court proceedings.”

Description

A sex offender has been jailed after targeting a child in Rochester.

An investigation into Manh Hung Le was launched after his victim disclosed they had been made to watch pornography and perform an indecent act several years previously.

Le was arrested in April 2023 and later charged with sexual activity with a child and causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Court

He denied the allegations but was convicted of both counts at Maidstone Crown Court. On Tuesday 21 July 2026, the 45 year old was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison.

Le, of Grove Street, Deptford, London, will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for 15 years and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Ella Bootes said:

‘Le’s actions have caused significant and lasting trauma for his vulnerable victim, who we commend for their bravery in coming forward.‘Le did not show any remorse for his actions and, by reporting his abuse, the victim has enabled us to secure his imprisonment and safeguard other children who may have been at risk.’

Description

Harrison Bodnar sentenced after paedophile sting

Harrison Bodnar, 29, has been sentenced after being caught in a paedophile sting.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. Between 25 February and 15 April last year, Bodnar sent sexual messages to someone he believed was an underage girl, including requests for explicit photos, court documents state. The account was in fact a decoy set up to catch offenders.

Bodnar, previously of Sidcup and now living in Kent, was sentenced at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 July. He received a two-year community order with rehabilitation activity requirements and 100 hours of unpaid work. A Sexual Harm Notification Order (SHPO) will monitor his internet use for five years, and he must sign the sex offenders’ register for the same period.

Description

Earlier this year, officers on patrol arrested a man on suspicion of voyeurism following concerns from women in the Islington area. He has now been convicted as the Met continues to prioritise the safety of women and girls.

Anthony Durkan, 35 (20.01.1990), of Corporation Street, Islington, pleaded guilty on Thursday, 26 March at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court to seven voyeurism charges.

Today, Tuesday, 21 June he appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to 19 further charges of voyeurism, bringing his total number of offences to 26.

He will be sentenced at a later date at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

This result follows a Met investigation launched after two women reported voyeurism offences in north London, leading to the discovery of a series of incidents committed by Durkan between January 2020 and March 2026, which were brought to an end when officers identified and arrested him during a proactive patrol.

Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Alger, whose team led the investigation, said:

“Durkan’s offending represented a serious and sustained course of predatory behaviour, deliberately targeting women who were entirely unaware they were being filmed, without their consent and in the privacy of their own homes.

“I want to thank the women who had the courage to come forward and report Durkan’s crimes. Their reports, supported by witnesses and swift investigative work, enabled officers to act decisively and arrest Durkan during a proactive patrol.

“This conviction reflects the severity of these crimes and means a dangerous individual has been removed from the streets of London, preventing further harm to women.”

The offending

In January 2026, a woman made a police report after an unknown man had been repeatedly attending her home in Islington and filming through her windows during the early hours of the morning.

She had been alerted by her neighbour, who had witnessed a man dressed entirely in black and wearing a balaclava walk towards the property. He was seen holding his mobile phone up to windows, seemingly recording inside, before walking away. These incidents were captured on the neighbour’s doorbell camera.

Weeks later, in March 2026, officers were called to another address in Islington, after a woman reported that she had also spotted a man recording her through her window. She confronted the suspect, who fled immediately. This incident was also captured on a security camera.

The investigation

Officers reviewing footage from these two incidents quickly identified striking similarities. In each case, the suspect wore the same clothing, targeted women through windows during the early hours, and used his mobile phone to record without their knowledge. The locations were also within close proximity, leading detectives to believe the offences were linked.

As a result, officers increased targeted patrols in the area and on Wednesday, 25 March, the first night of this proactive activity, officers in an unmarked police car spotted a man matching the suspect’s description.

A plainclothed officer observed the man approach an address and carry out the same pattern of behaviour captured in earlier evidence. He was arrested moments later outside the property and identified as Anthony Durkan.

Durkan’s mobile phone was seized at the scene. A review of his mobile phone uncovered a hidden gallery containing hundreds of images and videos of women. There is no evidence any of the women were aware they were being recorded.

A search of Durkan’s home address led officers to seize five additional mobile devices and a small camera for further examination.

The women who initially reported the voyeurism offences, as well as an additional victim identified through analysis of Durkan’s devices, continue to receive dedicated support from specially trained officers.

Appeal

Examination of Durkan’s seized devices uncovered extensive evidence of further voyeurism offences, prompting detectives to review historic crime reports where no suspect had been identified and all viable lines of enquiry exhausted. This led to Durkan being linked to offences dating back to January 2020. Detectives are now working to identify additional victims.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from women in Islington and north London between January 2020 and March 2026 who may have noticed unusual activity around their home, especially late at night or in the early hours of the morning.

Description

A rapist has been jailed for 14 years for attacking two women in Devon and Cornwall.

Chris Clark, 32, of Battersea Park Road in London, was convicted by a jury at Truro Crown Court of two counts of rape.

He returned to the court to be sentenced on Friday 17 July.

During the trial, the court heard how in September 2022 Clark attacked the first victim at a Travelodge he was staying in in Torquay.

Clark – a student doctor - invited the victim to his room before raping her.

The second victim in the case told police how in June 2025 she attended Clark’s then home address in Truro.

Within the property Clark made sexual advances towards her, to which she repeatedly told him no.

Despite this, Clark proceeded to rape the victim.

Detective Constable Paola Fantini said:

“I welcome the verdict of the jury and the sentence of the court in relation to Chris Clark.

“Clark raped two women who were unknown to each other.

“Clark is a rapist who invited woman into his home and a hotel room, isolated them and carried out the offences with absolutely no regard for whether or not they consented to the act.

“I would like to praise the victims in this case for their extraordinary bravery in reporting what happened to them, and then remaining engaged as the case progressed through the judicial system.

“It is thanks to them a dangerous rapist has been taken off the streets.

“Anybody who has been the victim of sexual violence should report it to us regardless of when the offences took place. You will be believed and we will investigate all matters reported to us.”

Description

A child sex offender who targeted victims in the children’s care home he worked in has been jailed after Met detectives undertook extensive work to access evidence on his phone.

On Wednesday, 8 July Abdalraham Katende, 30, of Ferme Park Road, Haringey, was sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment. This follows his conviction at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 11 May of rape of a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and failing to provide access to devices, contrary to Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

During the investigation, detectives identified a mobile phone they believed contained evidence relevant to the case. When Katende refused to voluntarily provide access, officers moved quickly to secure a court-endorsed order under Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), requiring him to provide access to the device.

Securing the order required significant investigative and legal work. Officers prepared detailed evidential submissions and obtained authorisation from specialist digital forensic teams, a superintendent and ultimately a Crown Court judge before the notice could be served.

Despite being legally required to comply, Katende repeatedly refused to disclose his PIN. His refusal resulted in a separate criminal charge and conviction, which helped demonstrate to the court his attempts to frustrate the investigation and conceal evidence from detectives.

Detective Constable Nick Baker, from the Central North Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

"I want to thank the victims who bravely came forward. Their courage in speaking out helped officers quickly identify and arrest a dangerous offender who abused a position of trust.

"When the offender refused to cooperate, detectives undertook significant legal and forensic work to secure a court-approved order requiring him to provide access to his phone.

"The team acted quickly to secure the necessary authorisations. When Mr Katende continued to refuse access, we obtained a further charge. His refusal became an important part of the prosecution case, helping demonstrate his efforts to obstruct the investigation and avoid accountability.

“I hope this outcome provides some comfort to anyone affected by sexual abuse and sends a clear message that the Met will continue to pursue offenders and seek justice, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

“Victims will be listened to, supported and treated with the care and compassion they deserve throughout the investigation process.”

The investigation into Katende began after two victims disclosed sexual abuse committed by him while he was employed as a support worker at a children's care home. This placed him in a position of trust over vulnerable young people.

Reports to officers shared how Katende had raped a 15-year-old girl who was living in the children's care home where he worked. In October 2023, Katende approached the victim while she was preparing food in the kitchen before sexually assaulting and then raping her. The victim screamed and managed to break free.

He was also convicted of causing a child to watch a sexual act after showing a 14-year-old resident an explicit video on his mobile phone depicting him having sex with a woman in October 2023.

In both cases, Katende exploited his position of trust and access to vulnerable children in his care.

Both victims of Katende have shared statements:

Victim A:

“What has now come to light is deeply distressing and painful, but sadly, I know this is not an isolated situation.

"Abuse like this exists in many communities, often hidden away, kept secret by fear, silence, stigma, or pressure from those around us. It happens more than people realise, and it thrives when people are too afraid or ashamed to speak up.

“To anyone else who has experienced something similar: I want you to know it is never too late to come forward. No matter how much time has passed, your voice matters, you have done nothing wrong, and you deserve to be heard, believed, supported, and protected.

“I also want to highlight something that is so often overlooked: people can present very well to the world, seem kind, professional, and completely trustworthy, yet still cause terrible harm behind closed doors. The person who hurt me was meant to protect me, and he fooled everyone.

"A good reputation or a normal way of acting does not mean someone cannot be dangerous.

“I want to thank my mother and everyone who has stood by me, believed me, and supported me through every single part of this journey. To my mum, who never gave up on me, who listened when I was scared to speak, and who loved me even when I found it hard to love myself—thank you for being my strength.

“To everyone else who helped me, guided me, treated me with respect, and showed me kindness when I needed it most: I cannot put into words how much it means to me. You have helped me find my courage again, and without you, I would not be here telling the truth today.”

Victim B:

“I was only 14 when it happened, I was in the dark and had already been through enough. I looked up to him as a carer and trusted him. As I have gotten older, I have slowly realised how much impact it has had on me. It will not be something I will ever fully move on from.

If you are going through a similar thing, always speak out. To others in care, I want them to know that they are not alone. The system fails us, but it does good things too. It's harder to stay silent.

I wanted to thank DC Nick Baker for all the work and support he provided. Also, to the judge and council who spoke to me before I gave evidence. They really helped to calm my nerves.”