Latest Offenders London

Description

A man who made arrangements to travel abroad and pay to rape children as young as six, and helped others to do the same, has been convicted. 

The Crown Prosecution Service’s dedicated Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit prosecuted Edward Gratwick, 68, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA). 

Robbie Weber, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS, said: 

"The abuse Edward Gratwick described inflicting on young children with other like-minded individuals was abhorrent. 

“It was clear from the evidence that he was intent on harming and abusing children and was willing to pay significant sums of money to do it. Not content with satisfying his own sexual desires, he also advised and encouraged others how they could commit equally horrific crimes.

“Our Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, in collaboration with the NCA, built a comprehensive picture of his crimes, which resulted in his convictions. I would like to thank the jury in this case for their careful consideration of the harrowing evidence presented in court.

“All children have the right to feel safe and protected and I hope this conviction sends a clear message that the CPS, working closely alongside law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue justice and prosecute those who seek to sexually exploit children.”

The court heard that Gratwick, of Mitcham, London, was arrested at Stansted Airport on 7 March 2025 before boarding a flight to Bucharest, Romania. 

His home address was searched and a number of electronic devices and the drug GBL was found in his property. 

Analysis of his devices found hundreds of indecent images of children (IIOC) and numerous chats across a number of encrypted applications in which he discussed arranging and facilitating child sexual abuse with others. 

In his online conversations, the defendant sent IIOC to others and made arrangements to abuse specific children in the UK and abroad. These arrangements were often had with relatives of the children targeted. 

Gratwick also facilitated and helped others arrange to abuse children. In one conversation, Gratwick made an offer to supply GBL to another man to use on a child so that they could be sedated before he sexually abused them. 

In another conversation with a person based in Romania, the defendant discussed how much extra it would cost a customer to beat a 10-year-old child he purported to be managing.  

At trial, the prosecution used extensive digital and physical evidence to prove Gratwick’s intent to commit sexual offences against children and to facilitate the abuse of children by other like-minded individuals. 

Today (10 October) the jury found him guilty of 38 offences. He had already pleaded guilty to two other counts. He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 28 November.

Danielle Pownall, Senior Investigating Officer at the NCA said: 

“The chat logs recovered from Edward Gratwick’s devices are some of the worst seen by specialist child abuse investigators at the NCA.

“Gratwick has continually denied the offences he faced, despite overwhelming and indisputable evidence, which shows his lack of remorse and disregard for the safety and welfare of children.  

“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the members of jury, who over the last six weeks have considered distressing evidence which no-one should ever have to hear. I echo the words of gratitude from Her Honour Judge Harden-Frost in light of what they have heard, culminating in guilty verdicts against Gratwick.

“Work continues with our international partners to identify those who Gratwick was engaging with and we will do everything in our power to safeguard any children from harm, wherever they are. We are grateful for the immediate response and support from UK and international partners during this investigation.”

Work continues to formally identify the victims and ensure safeguarding measures are put in place. 

To deal with some of the more complex and challenging child sexual abuse cases, the CPS has a dedicated Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit to share specialist understanding, build strong cases and increase the amount of successful prosecutions. 

Description

Curtis Arnold Convicted of Fraud and Sexual Offenses, Subject to 10-Year SHPO

Curtis Arnold, 36, now using the alias Daniel James Edwards aka “DJE MEDIA,” deceived women and teenage girls in London gyms by offering fake “leggings modelling” opportunities. Posing as a sportswear company executive, he tricked them into wearing revealing workout clothing while secretly filming them.

Court Details: Convictions and Sentencing

In 2019 at Harrow Crown Court, Arnold pleaded guilty to:

• 12 counts of fraud
• 1 count of voyeurism
• 1 count of causing sexual activity without consent
• 1 count of making indecent images of a child

The judge described Arnold’s actions as an “elaborate deception” over three years, involving a fake business and partner to pressure victims into exposing poses. Some victims discovered their videos and photos had been shared online. One victim was 17 years old.

Arnold was sentenced to 40 months in prison, later reduced to 34 months. Judge Dean imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), effective until February 2029.

SHPO Restrictions

The SHPO prohibits Arnold from:

• Owning or using devices capable of storing digital images unless approved by police
• Installing encryption or data-wiping software beyond standard device requirements

He is also required to register on the Sex Offenders Register.

Denial and Legal Clarity

When confronted, Arnold claimed his convictions were “spent” and denied ongoing restrictions. However, the law states: “A Sexual Harm Prevention Order remains fully enforceable for its full term regardless of spent convictions or completed custodial sentences.”

Facts Summary

• Name: Curtis Arnold (alias: Daniel James Edwards, “DJE MEDIA”)
• Court: Harrow Crown Court
• Convictions: 12 fraud, 1 voyeurism, 1 causing sexual activity without consent, 1 making indecent images of a child
• Sentence: 34 months imprisonment
• SHPO: Active until February 2029
• Sex Offenders Register: Mandatory registration
• The SHPO ensures ongoing monitoring and compliance.

Description

A man who incited and recorded thousands of children engaging in sexual activity online from his Croydon home has been jailed following a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. 

IT specialist Robert Chown, 49, captured photos and videos of the abuse and shared them with like-minded paedophiles.

He appeared at Croydon Crown Court today (3 October) where he was sentenced to 25 years, with seven to be served on licence, having pleaded guilty to 41 charges at a previous court hearing. 

Chown was also handed a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and will be on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.

In April 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched an investigation into a private online messaging forum dedicated to the sexual exploitation of children.

It was named ‘The Sanctuary’.

Chown was identified as a key contributor to the forum and the individual behind the ‘FredHasFiveToes’ username.

Upon joining the group in 2019, his introductory message read:

“Preferences…girls 8-11”.

He went on to share hundreds of abuse images in the forum that he’d captured over years of sexually exploiting children online.

Chown also posted an indecent photo of a 12-year-old girl that he had taken in person. She was identified and safeguarded by the NCA and child protection services.

From his home in south London he masqueraded as a teenage boy online to target thousands of children across the world.

Girls and boys as young as six-years-old were groomed by Chown to live stream sexual acts at his instruction, which he would capture and share with other paedophiles on ‘The Sanctuary’ and the dark web. 

NCA officers arrested Chown at his home address in September 2023 and seized two mobile phones from him.

Across both devices, investigators found over 2,000 indecent images and videos of children in categories A-C.

They also discovered 204 entries into Google Translate of sexual instructions translated from English into Russian and Polish.

These phrases were used by Chown on live streams to incite children around the world to perform sexual acts on themselves.

In interview he admitted to using the persona of a teenage boy online to watch live streams involving children, directing and instructing them to carry out those acts.

NCA Senior Investigating Officer Phil Eccles said:

“Chown poses a significant danger to children, and our thorough investigation exposed him as a prolific offender who carried out depraved sexual abuse over a number of years.

“While this case is extremely distressing, we hope it reassures the public of our commitment to unmasking paedophiles who think that can operate anonymously online.

“Work with our international partners in the FBI and Europol has been key to this investigation.

“Today’s result is testament to the hard work of our investigative team and it is only right that Chown received a lengthy custodial sentence given the severity of his offending.”

Robbie Weber of the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“The lifelong physical and emotional trauma caused to victims by men like Chown cannot be understated. 

“Chown has himself admitted to having a long term extreme interest in child sexual abuse imagery. He was a prolific presence on the dark web, gaining notoriety amongst likeminded individuals who would access and share such vile and indecent material.  

“He was a key player in coercing children to engage in being filmed or photographed committing non-consensual sexual acts.

“I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message that the CPS will continue to relentlessly prosecute and pursue justice for those who sexually exploit children, whenever and wherever 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.”

Description

Following Met detectives leading an investigation into a child sexual assault which uncovered further sexual offences, officers are now appealing for potential victims to come forward.

Vruj Patel, 26 (22/03/99), of Selsdon Road E13, was sentenced today, Tuesday, 7 October, to 22 years in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He was also placed on the sex offenders' register for life.

This result builds on the Mets work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG) by using innovative techniques to identify predators to bring them to justice and bolstering VAWG teams with 565 specially trained officers and staff to carry out victim led investigations.

Vruj previously pleaded guilty to rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration and four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity in relation to one victim, rape of a woman over 16 and sexual assault by penetration relating to a second victim, along with possession of indecent images of children, and voyeurism.

His brother, Kishan Patel, 31 (29/09/94), also of Selsdon Road E13, was also sentenced today to 15 months for possession of indecent images of children at the same court. He will also serve a 10-year-sexual harm prevention order.

Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the Mets investigation, said:

Patel is a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification. The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence and his future management under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for the remainder of his life.

This is a fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation by Met detectives working to support victims of the most serious offending and safeguard the wider public from a dangerous offender.

There are teams of dedicated, professional officers working across London who will leave no stone unturned to identify those who seek to commit offences against vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice.

The offending

Patel was arrested on Saturday, 1 February, after Greater Manchester Police alerted the Met to a third-party report of videos of child sexual offending being present on a device which had been sent for repair.

The device belonged to his brother, Kishan Patel, and the initial videos found depicted child sexual offences being committed against a young girl who was known to the brothers.

Officers worked quickly to seize Kishans devices; however, it became apparent that Vruj Patel was the one appearing in the videos. Detectives were able to identify him after his face was briefly visible at the end of one of the videos showing abuse of the child.

Further images and videos were uncovered by detectives which showed Vruj committing a rape against a young woman following a university night out, and voyeurism against a young girl. Vruj had filmed himself committing multiple offences against the victims and was identifiable from clothing comparisons and his distinctive jewellery.

Although each incident of contact offending is thought to have happened in 2018, the voyeurism precedes this and officers are concerned that Vrujs offending has continued until more recently.

The appeal

Following the Patels sentencings today, detectives are appealing for any further victim-survivors to come forward.

There may be other instances where children visiting his home, or the homes of those around him, had been placed under his care. Detectives are interested to speak to anyone who believes this may have been true.

Full list of charges:

Vruj Patel

• Voyeurism
• Sexual assault female over 16
• Assault by Penetration female over 16
• Rape female over 16
• 4x Causing or Inciting a child under 13 to engage in Sexual Activity
• Sexual Assault of a Child under 13
• Assault of a child under 13 by penetration
• Rape of a child under 13
• 4x Making Indecent Images

Kishan Patel

• Count 1: Making Indecent Images Cat. A 765 still and 183 moving
• Count 2: Making Indecent Images Cat. B 401 still and 52 moving
• Count 3: Making Indecent Images Cat. C 944 still and 28 moving
• Count 4: Possession of Indecent Images Cats. A, B, and C.

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for sexual and violent offences in Reading.

Jahmel Flemming, aged 28, of Eldon Park, London, was sentenced to thirteen and a half years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday (30/9).

He was found guilty by the jury of:

• Three counts of actual bodily harm
• Two counts of rape
• One count of sexual assault
• One count of sexual assault by penetration
• One count of assault
• He pleaded guilty to one count of common assault.

He was found not guilty of one count of intentional strangulation.

On 13 December 2024, Flemming subjected the victim, a woman, to a relentless series of serious physical assaults, both in public and in private. This included pulling her hair and punching her repeatedly, leaving her with a fractured cheekbone, and severe swelling and bruising to her face and body.

Then inside a property, Flemming sexually assaulted and raped the victim, whilst using physical violence against her.

Flemming was arrested on the same day as the offences and charged the next day.

Further charges were made by postal requisition on 28 January this year.

Investigating officer, Detective constable Becky Edey said:

“Jahmel Flemming is a violent individual whose actions are inexcusable. His prolonged and vicious assault showed no regard for the victim, leaving her with significant injuries.

“Thanks to the victim’s courage, Flemming has now been held accountable and will no longer pose a threat to others.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the incredible bravery shown by the victim in this case. Her strength has not only led to justice being served but has also helped prevent further harm to others, and we are truly grateful. I hope this outcome provides her with some closure and allows her to begin moving forward with her life.”

Description

"You will have to face the consequences for your actions, as I have been doing for all these years."

A man has been jailed for a total of 11 years after being was found guilty by a jury on 22 August 2025 of three counts of rape in York, and a further count of rape and one account of sexual assault in the London area.

Kieran Mullen, 34 from Dace Road in London, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court, London, for sentencing on Friday 3 October.

The court heard that Mullen raped the first victim in York in 2013 and the second in London in 2020.

The North Yorkshire victim bravely read out her victim personal statement in court, she said:

"Before I met you, I always saw the good in people and I trusted others easily.

"That changed the night you raped me.

"You wrought such dehumanising violence on my body. You violated me in a way that's difficult to verbalise.

I won't ever forget the way you made me feel that night, like a worthless object for you to use however you wanted.

"I should have been able to grow into womanhood and discover who I wanted to be, but you decimated my sense of self-worth and self-confidence at a pivotal time in my life. I felt worthless and used for years afterwards.

"Now, standing here after so long and knowing that I am finally believed, that every juror heard me and recognised the truth, and that you will finally face justice, has changed how I feel. I have spent years feeling intimidated by you, scared of you, since the rape. But I have been heard and believed and feel validated, the scales have shifted and now I have some power back too. You will have to face the consequences for your actions, as I have been doing for all these years."

Detective Constable Charis Meredith, the investigating officer for the York offences, said:

"These convictions, and this result, are a testament to the strength of the women involved and their support networks around them who enabled them to proceed with this case. It hasn't just meant securing justice and closure for themselves, but I hope it gives confidence to other victims to come forward, knowing that they will be listened to and the police and wider criminal justice system will do everything they can to get justice for them.

"For any other victims, no matter when it took place, please come forward to the police - it's never too late."

Description

A man who evaded justice for 14 years has been jailed thanks to a major forensic breakthrough and the perseverance of a specialist police department.

Donatas Venclovas was sentenced to more than seven years in prison at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 3 October) after admitting a series of sexual offences.

In 2011 three women were attacked in Leicester by the same man – all within the space of around an hour.

The final assault left crucial DNA evidence, but the-now 34-year-old of Craven Gardens, Ilford, wasn’t identified until a breakthrough in February this year linked him to the unsolved crimes.

The 2011 investigation

On Saturday 8 January 2011, police received a report of an attempted rape in The Rally park in Tudor Road, involving a-then 57-year-old woman.

Around 8.50am, the victim was pushed to the ground after she witnessed the suspect with his hands down his trousers. 

He attempted to remove her clothing, but she fought back, biting his hand and screaming for help, which alerted a resident in a home close by and forced him to flee.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, detectives launched a large-scale investigation.

DNA recovered from the victim’s face and inside of her mouth provided a vital forensic profile of the offender, but it did not match anyone on the national police database at the time.

As part of investigative enquiries, police issued a witness appeal together with a e-fit of the suspected perpetrator. Following this, a further two women came forward to report being indecently assaulted by a similarly described man on the same morning.

CCTV enquiries confirmed it was the same man and they had both occurred in the city centre, shortly before the attack in the park.

The first happened shortly before 7.40am in Rutland Street. The woman, who was 25 at the time, was grabbed from behind. One hand grabbed her around the neck and the other hand between her legs.

Minutes later, near to St Nicholas Circle, he exposed himself and sexually assaulted another woman – then aged 74 – by putting his hand up her skirt.

He fled after being disturbed by someone nearby and made his way to the park when the third incident took place.

Detectives undertook extensive enquiries at the time of the attacks – including reviewing hours of CCTV, public appeals, and house-to-house.

Statements were also taken from key witnesses but despite a thorough investigation the suspect wasn’t identified.

Hope for the investigation came the following year, in 2012, when the same DNA profile was uncovered on the fence of a property that was burgled in London.

The identity of the suspect remained unknown.

2025: case reopened

The breakthrough came in February 2025 when Donatas Venclovas was arrested in London on suspicion of assault.

A DNA sample taken in custody matched the profile from the 2011 attacks – giving detectives the evidence needed to reopen the case.

Leicestershire Police’s specialist rape and serious sexual assault investigation team immediately launched a renewed investigation.

Detectives meticulously reviewed all the historical evidence in an effort to build a compelling case against the defendant.

Due to the length of time passed, tracking down all three victims initially proved difficult.

The victim who was attacked in The Rally was the first to be found. The victim in the Rutland Street incident was also identified. Unfortunately, the victim who was 74 in 2011, had since passed away but detectives were able to trace her family to inform them of the development in the case.

Despite the difficulties, the officer in the case – Detective Constable Shannon Hughes – remained committed to securing justice for the women.

She said:

“For more than a decade the women in the case have had to live with knowing the man who attacked them had not been identified and could still be out there.

“The actions of one of the victims on that morning in 2011 has ultimately led to this case finally being solved but the case still required a full review of old material, as well as reconnecting with the victims and carrying out new enquiries to ensure the case was fit for trial in 2025.

“Luckily the victims have been spared any added trauma of having to relive what happened to them in court and hopefully today will put an end to what has been many years of living with unresolved pain.”

Venclovas was charged with one count of attempted rape and three counts of sexual assault. Faced with the overwhelming evidence he pleaded guilty to all four offences at the start of the trial in August.

He was sentenced to a total of seven years and two months. 

Detective Inspector Lorna Granville added:

“At the heart of this investigation are the three women who were assaulted that day 14 years ago. They have carried the burden of these crimes for years and it is their courage and determination that has helped bring Venclovas to justice. We recognise the immense impact these crimes have had on their lives, and I want to pay tribute to them for the strength they have shown throughout.

“I also want to commend the officers and staff from our Signal team – Leicestershire’s Police specialist rape investigation unit – specifically the work of DC Shannon Hughes, who with the team, has worked tirelessly over the past nine months to bring this case to court. Their persistence, professionalism, and absolute commitment to securing justice for victims has been outstanding.

“This case clearly highlights that justice can be achieved, no matter how much time has passed. Unsolved cases will always be reinvestigated should new evidence or information come to light.”

Description

A 22-year-old man from Tottenham has been given a 16-months prison sentence after sexually assaulting a women and masturbating on board a London Underground train.

Following a British Transport Police investigation, Rohan Uddin, of Bedford Road, Tottenham pled guilty on Wednesday 9 July 2025 to outraging public decency, sexual assault and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

He was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday 16 September and handed a 16 month prison sentence which, includes 12 months for outraging public decency, three months for sexual assault and two months for the two counts of assault emergency worker. He was ordered to pay £187 surcharge.

Uddin has also received a 10 year sexual harm prevention order which prohibits him from talking to or engaging with any women or girls not known to him when travelling on public transport, entering a station or travelling on transport while under the influence of any intoxicating liquor or substance, placing his hands inside clothing in order to touch his genitals while on board or at stations and from travelling without a valid ticket or payment for travelling.

The court heard how Uddin sexually assaulted a woman on an east bound Central Line train at Marble Arch station just after 9pm on Tuesday 29 April 2025.

Uddin chose to sit next to a lone passenger in a relatively empty tube carriage and began to masturbate as he sexually assaulted her.

The woman in her twenties moved away from Uddin, scared for her own safety. She was able to get an image of him which enabled police to identify Uddin and place a wanted marker on his name.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Service stopped him for unrelated reasons in June and arrested him upon discovering he was wanted. He then assaulted the two officers, leading to him being further arrested.

Detective Constable Sexton-Thomas said:

"It is thanks to the brave woman reporting this horrific incident to staff and to officers that we have been able to get this vulgar and sickening individual off of the railway network.

"The sentence handed down and the long-lasting Sexual Harm Prevention Order should act as a warning to others that we take all reports of sexual offences and unwanted sexual behaviour seriously and we will always support and believe victims throughout the investigation."

Description

A registered sex offender has been convicted after breaching his court order and assaulting two young children in Norfolk.

Timothy Harris, aged 46, of Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, was today (Friday 26 September 2025) found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict following a four day trial at Norwich Crown Court of the following offences:

• Engaging in sexual activity in front of a child aged under 13
• Four counts of intentionally touching a child aged under 13
• Failing to comply with notification requirements

He was handed a 14 year custodial sentence plus a further four years on licence.

It comes after police received a report of sexual assault against children in December 2024.

Harris had been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life in 2016 after being convicted of rape at Swindon Crown Court.

But he failed to tell police in London who were monitoring him that he was spending time in Norfolk.

He was arrested in Leyton on 18 December 2024 and taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre  for questioning.

He denied the offences.

The officer in charge of the case PC Gary Ranger said:

“These were abhorrent offences committed in breach of a court order put in place to manage those on the Sex Offenders Register carefully.

“He tried hard to cover his tracks by failing to notify police he had moved but was found out due to the courage and bravery of his victims.

“Norfolk police will always pursue such offenders both historic and recent to keep people safe and ensure dangerous and predatory offenders like Harris are brought to justice.”

Description

The Met is working closely with partners to identify further victim-survivors after an investigation led to a man being jailed for rape and reckless transmission of a sexually transmitted disease.

Jonathan Carl, 42, (29.4.1983) of Station Road, Hornchurch was jailed for 17 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 29 August and handed a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He had been found guilty of one count of rape and pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm on Wednesday, 11 June.

Now detectives are appealing for help in identifying many more potential victims of rape and reckless transmission.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Bishop, who led the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, said:

“Our investigation uncovered the scale of Carl’s offending and ensured he was brought to justice. But we remain extremely concerned about the wellbeing of those who have not yet been identified. We believe as many as 318 men may be a victim, and might need to come forward for testing and support.

“You may have met Carl through an online dating platform, or visited his home address in Hornchurch, which is distinctively located above a fish and chip shop.

“Your health and wellbeing are our absolute priority. We are working closely with NHS partners and charities to ensure anyone affected can access confidential testing, advice, and support. Please be assured you are not alone – we are here to help.”

Police launched an investigation in January 2024 after an allegations of rape were reported by two men, the offences took place in August 2023 and October 2022.

Detectives acted swiftly and arrested Carl on 25, January 2024 to prevent any further offending. Carl was identified through digital download examinations and co-location data from the victim and suspects phones.

Carl was charged with rape and GBH on 4, February 2024 in relation to the allegations made in January 2024.

The investigation involved in-depth digital analysis of Carl’s mobile phone, police analysed phone calls, social media messages and cell site information. These combined revealed that Carl had used multiple dating apps, including Grindr and SCRUFF, to meet men.

Detectives believe Carl had sexual contact with up to 400 men over four years.

So far, 82 men have been identified and spoken to, they were advised by the NHS after being informed of Carl’s health status.

However, detectives believe there are hundreds more who may still be unaware.

Two victims have bravely came forward to help with our appeal, to share a few words to show the impact Carl had on them:

Victim one: 

“[I felt] powerless, I felt like there was nothing I could do. It made me feel like I didn't matter, it made me feel less than human. The main reason I came forward to police, is because I wanted to stop this from happening to anyone else.”

Victim two:

“It has damaged me from having any sort of romantic relationship in the future, due to people's overall thoughts on HIV. It makes me fry my brain as I overthink about what I could have done differently. I still struggle with this guilty feeling.”

It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly transmit a sexually transmitted infection under the offences against a persons act, it amounts to grievous bodily harm.

Anyone who may have had contact with Jonathan Carl is urged to contact detectives directly on 0207175273, you can also email, [email protected].

To contact police, you can dial 101 or via our online reporting system and state reference CAD2972/19Sept25.

Description

An asylum seeker who raped a woman in Hyde Park has been jailed for eight and a half years.

Abdelrahmen Adnan Abouelela, a married father of one, approached her in the central London park as she was walking home alone from a night out in November 2024. He then lured his victim to a secluded spot where he raped her.

Abouelela, who claims he was held as a political prisoner and tortured in Egypt, is in the UK illegally, Judge Gregory Perrins told Southwark Crown Court.

Judge Perrins told the 42-year-old defendant, whose address was given as a hotel in Ealing, west London: "You were driven purely by your own sexual desires."

Automatic deportation order

"It must have been obvious to you that she was a woman under the influence of alcohol who was alone and vulnerable," Judge Perrins told the court.

"You made the decision to take advantage of her vulnerability."

Judge Perrins added: "You simply did not care that she could not consent: you just took what you wanted."

Abouelela arrived in the UK in April 2023 and claimed asylum for fear of persecution in his home country of Egypt, the court was told.

His wife and son currently live in Turkey, the court heard.

Judge Perrins commended the victim for her "immense bravery and courage" in giving evidence during Abouelela's trial at the same court earlier this year.

Jurors found Abouelela guilty of one count of rape on 22 May.

Because he was given a prison sentence of more than 12 months, he will be subject to an automatic deportation order.

Description

An 18-year-old who sickeningly and opportunistically sexually assaulted four women over three days on the transport network has been jailed, following a British Transport Police investigation.

Hadi Al Koumi, 18, of Bideford Avenue, Ealing, was sentenced on Friday (12 September) at Isleworth Crown Court to 4 years and 8 months after he pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault and was found guilty of a further sexual assault carried out over a two-day period.

He was also handed a 6-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a life-long signature on the Sex Offenders Register.

The court heard how, on 6 August 2024, at around 5.15pm, the first victim – a woman in her 30s – was at St John’s Wood underground station when her train arrived. As she went to board, Al Koumi crouched down behind her and sexually assaulted her, before running away.

Two days later, on 8 August, the second victim – a woman in her 30s – was at Green Park underground station at around 2.40pm when her train arrived. Al Koumi then walked up behind her and sexually assaulted her. As the victim turned to look at him, he walked away, before looking back to her and winking at her.

Less than two hours later at 4.20pm, the third victim - a woman in her 40s - was at East Acton underground station was distracted by her phone. Again, Al Koumi approached the victim from behind and sexually assaulted her.

Then, later that day at around 11.15pm, a fourth victim, a woman in her 30s, was on board a train between Greenford and Perivale station when she was approached by Al Koumi, who attempted to engage her in conversation. The victim politely asked him to leave her alone, to which he persisted. After telling him again, he stood up, as did she, and he sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to throw a glass at him as the doors opened and she left the train, before calling 999.

Al Koumi was captured on CCTV during all four offences and the incidents were linked together and his images were circulated. On 27 August 2024, officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) North Tasking Unit (East) were on patrol at Perivale station when Al Koumi was spotted and arrested.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Nolan said:

“Al Koumi took deliberate advantage of the rail network in order to assault multiple women for his own sexual gratification.

“He's clearly a dangerous predator who has exhibited a disturbing and abhorrent pattern of offending towards women, so I’m grateful to see the sentencing handed down today, and I hope it can bring some sense of closure and comfort to the women he targeted.

"There is zero-tolerance for sexual offences on the rail network, and we have uniformed patrols and specially-trained plain clothes officers on patrol at stations and on trains around the clock to keep the travelling public safe. We will continue to do everything in our power to bring offenders like Al Koumi to justice.”

Description

A community leader who abused his position of trust to carry out sexual offences against children in Chatham has been jailed.

Qari Sher Mohammad targeted a total of four children over almost a decade until his brave victims raised the alarm.

Concerns about his behaviour were first raised in 2018, when one of the children revealed he had touched her sexually, while carrying out duties connected to his role as an imam. This happened at a mosque in Thorold Road, between March 2014 and October 2016.

Arrested 

He was arrested and interviewed in April that year, but the investigation did not progress to a charge at that stage due to concerns about the potential impact a trial would have on the young victim.

Between May 2022 and December 2023, Mohammad sexually assaulted three further children and he was arrested on 11 December.

As part of their enquiries, investigating officers returned to the victim who had made the previous allegation in 2018. Now an adult, she stated she wished to support a police prosecution for the crimes committed against her.

Mohammad, of Woodford Road, Forest Gate, London was charged with multiple counts of sexual touching of a child. He denied the offences and, on 7 March 2025, was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court on 16 indictments.

Jailed

On Friday 12 September 2025, Mohammad, 61, was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment. He will be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years once he is released. 

Detective Constable Conor Middleton said:

‘This man was in a position of authority when these appalling offences were committed. The children showed immense courage by reporting his actions and I would like to commend them and their parents for assisting our investigation.

‘Mohammad is now serving a prison sentence and he should reflect on his actions and the impact they had on these vulnerable victims.’

Description

A convicted paedophile has been jailed for the sixth time after grooming and sexually assaulting an eight-year-old boy.

Stephen Lott, 47, of Kingsbridge Road in Harold Hill, has abused young boys and girls since the mid-1990s, when he repeatedly orally raped a girl aged five to seven.

He has since accumulated 22 child sexual abuse convictions, including groping girls aged five and eight at South Kensington station in 2016.

Out of prison, Lott reoffended in late 2023, grooming the boy over nine months with gifts before kissing him and inviting him home for further abuse.

Lott claimed the kiss was accidental during a hug, but a jury convicted him of sexual assault on a child and meeting a child following grooming.

At his August 8 sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Lott attributed his behavior to childhood struggles making friends.

Supported by his sister, her husband, and a church official, he begged Judge Ross Cohen for "one more chance," citing plans for a YouTube career making sci-fi videos.

But Judge Cohen said: “You delude yourself and others that your behaviour towards children is innocent and based on an affinity you have for them as a result of your own low confidence.

“The sad truth, Stephen Lott, is that your behaviour towards children is both sexualised and predatory.”

The judge noted Lott’s prior convictions, including gross indecency with a child aged five to seven—which would be charged as oral rape today.

The victim’s mother’s statement read: “Steve never made me aware he had previous convictions. It’s made me feel really anxious for my son, that he’s had to go through this. It’s been a really horrible time.

“It’s disheartening and sinister, I feel like a failure for not protecting him.”

Deeming Lott “dangerous,” Judge Cohen imposed an extended sentence: four years in prison plus three years on licence.

A parole board may release him after two years and ten months if deemed safe; otherwise, he serves the full term, remaining on licence until 2032.

The Met Police released Lott's latest custody image today (September 10).

Description

A former Newham Labour councillor has been found guilty of sexual assault.

Daniel Lee-Phakoe, 38, of Libra Road, Newham, was found guilty of one count of sexual assault by touching by a jury at Inner London Crown Court.

The assault took place at a public house near Liverpool Street station on Friday 5 May 2023. Lee-Phakoe’s wife had arranged leaving drinks as she was moving department within the council.

During the evening, Lee-Phakoe approached the victim and carried out a series of persistent and unwelcome verbal sexual approaches, including a proposal of a sexual encounter in the bathroom. Lee-Phakoe also approached the victim’s side of the table, stood next to her and pinched her bottom with his left hand. The victim stated that Lee-Phakoe pinched her bottom at least ten times. His grip was described as firm and unrelenting. 

The victim who cannot be named for legal reasons said:

“The assault itself has left me feeling dirty, disrespected and a worthless woman who had suddenly become the focus of unwanted and disgusting sexual touching, demands for sex in a public toilet and being physically trapped in spite of attempts to move. His approach was both violating, aggressive and manipulative in assaulting me in a public place with his wife in the same bar and only a short distance away.

“This has been a horrendous experience. This sexual assault was unforgivable and I made the complaint to stop this happening to other women and to stand up to a sexual predator who has no idea or care of the impact of what he did to me.”

Lee-Phakoe left the table for a time and during that period the victim asked her friend to stand next to her in case he came back. Undeterred Lee-Phakoe approached the table again and tried to push pass the friend to get to the victim. The friend heard Lee-Phakoe persistently ask the victim to go to the toilets with him.

The friend said:

“He arrived at the table again and continued to push against me and comments towards the victim for 10 minutes or so. I said to him ‘can you please stop and calm down.’ He stopped pushing but continued to ask her to go toilets with him. After what seemed like an exceptionally long time, he finally left the table and the victim asked me to leave with her as she felt unsafe leaving on her own. I’ve known her many years and I’ve never seen her so frightened.”

Lee-Phakoe will be sentenced at a later date.