Latest Offenders London

Description

A manhunt is underway for rapist Jonas Amogbokpa, 55, who fled midway through his trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

Amogbokpa kidnapped and raped a stranger in his car after spotting her walking home in Lewisham in August 2024.

He gave evidence on Wednesday, February 11, but failed to return the next day, telling his lawyer he was ill. Police found his door open at his home address, but he was gone.

Convicted in his absence of rape and kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual offence, he was not on remand. The judge issued an arrest warrant, describing him as a danger to the public. Efforts to trace him continue after three weeks.

A source said: “He clearly felt the evidence didn’t go well for him. He didn’t come to court the next day, telling his lawyer he was ill.”

Another source added:

“He had not been held on remand and so was able to escape justice. The judge has said he is a danger to the public due to his crimes. 

“So far, he has not been apprehended. I think it is important that the public are made aware of this criminal who is now back on the streets of south London hiding out somewhere.”

A Met Police spokesperson said:

“Police enquiries to locate him are ongoing. 

“Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Description

A man who lured a woman to a hotel on the pretence of finding her employment has been found guilty of rape.

This follows an investigation demonstrating the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against woman and girls across London.

Gurwinder Singh, 37 (17.12.88) of Kingshill Avenue, Northolt, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, 18 February.

He was found guilty of rape, attempted rape, assault by penetration, two counts of sexual assault and one count of common assault. He will be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday, 15 April.

Detectives believe the scale of Singh’s offending may be much wider and are making a direct appeal for any other victim-survivors to come forward.

The investigation

On 22 June 2025, a woman contacted police and reported she had been raped at a hotel in Paddington.

She told detectives she had been given the contact details of someone who could help her find a job, and began communicating with them via WhatsApp to find out more.

The victim-survivor spoke to someone she thought to be a woman, who said they could secure her shifts as a care worker, as long as she was able to provide her national insurance number and passport details.

She was given an address in Paddington and was told to meet there on the evening of 21 June, where she would be helping look after a sportsman with serious injuries.

On arrival at the station, she was met by a man who said he was a care assistant and would be working alongside her. They travelled together to a hotel, where the man left her in a room and said the patient would arrive soon.

Shortly afterwards, the same man returned to the room claiming he was the ‘sportsman’ and undressed, telling her he needed a massage. She refused to do so and he then became physically violent before assaulting and raping her.

The victim managed to run out of the hotel where two members of the public saw her in distress and helped her into a taxi.

Later that same evening, she received a call from the same person who had arranged the job, telling her the whole incident had been recorded and would ‘go viral’ if she reported it to anyone.

Despite these warnings, she bravely reported the incident to police the following day.

Detectives immediately began an investigation and tracked Singh down to the same hotel on 11 August, where he was arrested.

Police carried out a search of his home and seized nine devices which were forensically examined.

On downloading the data, it quickly became evident that the woman arranging the employment was in fact Singh, and that he had pretended to be a woman to gain the victim’s trust.

The appeal

After months trawling through messages, officers now believe Singh has been in contact with many other women who may have been victim to similar offences.

Investigative work has shown that Singh booked rooms at the same hotel on more than 100 occasions between December 2024 and August 2025, and that he had conversations with many other women pretending he could help find them work.

Officers are working to speak to those who have had contact with Singh on WhatsApp, but are also appealing for others to come forward following Singh’s conviction.

They are particularly keen to hear from women in the Indian community who live in the Hayes or Southall area, as they believe he may have targeted a specific community. However, detectives are keeping an open mind and are appealing to anyone who may have met or spoken to Singh online, or anyone who has any information about his offending.

Detective Constable Lydia Webb, who led the investigation, said:

“The victim in this case has shown incredible courage in coming forward and disclosing what happened to her – it is thanks to her bravery that Singh has been convicted and is unable to cause further harm.

“We believe that there may be other women who have been subject to Singh’s crimes and we want to provide reassurance that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with sensitively and with compassion.

“We recognise that coming forward can be a daunting experience, but would encourage victim-survivors to speak with us so they can get the support and help they very much deserve. All victims of sexual assault are given anonymity for life."

Description

Met police officers have commended the bravery of seven survivors after a dangerous sexual offender was convicted on Friday, 13 February at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Abdul Halim Khan, 54 (26.01.72) of Old Ford Road, E3 was found guilty of 21 offences including nine counts of rape.

The offences took place over a 11-year period between 2004 and 2015, where Khan abused his position as a respected faith leader within the local community to abuse multiple women and girls.

Khan abused his position as a faith leader by pretending to have spiritual powers to coerce and sexually abuse girls as young as 12. He manipulated the victims, threatening harm on their families in an attempt to continue his extensive offending.

Yesterday’s conviction signifies the dedication of investigators, who did everything in their power to support the survivors and achieve justice on their behalf.

Detective Sergeant Sara Yems, who led this investigation, said:

“It shows remarkable strength for anyone to report abuse, especially when the abuser is believed to be a trusted figure. The seven woman who came forward have shown extraordinary courage in speaking with police and I hope they serve as inspiration to other victims and survivors.

“While nothing will undo the harm suffered by these women – yesterday’s conviction will hopefully offer a small measure of comfort. I’d like to thank the dedicated team of Met officers who left no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.

“We remain absolutely committed to tackling violence against women and girls, targeting dangerous offenders and removing them from London’s streets.”

Follow the verdict one of the survivors of Khan's abuse thanked the Met’s investigation team for restoring their trust. She said:

“The abuse I suffered as a child has had a profound and lasting impact on my life. What happened to me did not end when the abuse stopped, it affected my sense of safety, my ability to trust others, and the way I understood relationships and authority.

“Someone who should never have harmed me violated that trust, and the effects of that betrayal have stayed with me for many years and I continue to carry that trauma with me.

“Like many survivors of childhood sexual abuse, I lived with shame, fear, and confusion that were not mine to carry. The loss of trust, in people, in systems, and at times in myself, shaped much of my adult life.

“Coming forward was an extremely difficult decision. Speaking about what happened meant revisiting painful memories and facing emotions I had tried to suppress for years. However, being listened to, believed, and treated with dignity throughout the investigation helped restore some of the trust that had been taken from me. I am grateful to the Metropolitan Police officers who handled my case with care, professionalism, and sensitivity.

“I hope this outcome acknowledges not only the abuse itself, but the deep and lasting harm it causes. I also hope it encourages other survivors of childhood sexual abuse to know that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and that what happened to them matter, regardless of how much time has passed.”

The investigation

Police first became aware of Khan’s offending in February 2018 when the youngest victim reported Khan to a teacher at her school.

Following the allegations, Met detectives began to build a case against Khan.

As part of their investigation, officers interviewed over 50 witnesses and examined ten mobile phone devices.

In his interview’s Khan repeatedly denied the allegations stating it was a conspiracy, and the victims had concocted a story for revenge.

Khan was charged on Thursday, 16 March 2023.

Abdul Halim Khan was found guilty of the following offences:

• Nine counts of rape
• Four counts of sexual assault
• Two counts of sexual assault of a child under thirteen
• Five counts of rape of a child under thirteen
• One count of assault by penetration

He has been remanded into custody ahead of sentencing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 14 May.

Description

A man who masturbated on board a morning train and later claimed he thought he was alone has been jailed for one year and eight months, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Igor Borges, 29, and of Nether Street, Barnet, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Monday 2 February after pleading guilty to Exposure and breaching his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

He was also ordered to sign sex offenders register for 10 years and pay a victim surcharge.

The court heard how at around 9am on 1 September last year on board a train from London Bridge to West Croydon, Borges was sat across the aisle from the victim when he exposed himself and started masturbating while looking at her.

She noticed in the window reflection that Borges was staring at her, and when she looked over and saw him masturbating, he continued. The victim then called the police on 999, and Borges put his finger to his lips to indicate not to tell anyone.

She stood up from her seat and moved carriages to find another seat, and Borges followed her through the carriage apologising. As she walked through the train, she told other passengers what had happened who intervened and stopped Borges following her.

He left the train at West Croydon and BTP detectives launched an investigation to track him down.

Through their enquiries using the on-train CCTV, Borges was identified as he already had a SHPO in place which he breached in committing the offence that morning. He was arrested at his home address two weeks later.

His existing SHPO had been in place since August 2023 and prohibited him from making any direct or indirect approach to a female not known to him in a public place.  

Upon being arrested he stated it wasn't him that committed the offence and the officers had it wrong, although later in interview he claimed he thought he was alone when he masturbated on-board the train.

Due to the strong case against him built by BTP Detectives, Borges changed his original not guilty plea to guilty.

BTP Detective Constable Karim Omer said:

"This is not the first time Borges has been caught for a crime like this, and his far-fetched excuse that he was alone on a train in Central London at 9am did not wash with us.

"It is thanks to the courage of the victim in reporting his disgusting actions that we have been able to bring him before the courts and put him behind bars, and I hope that this sentence provides the victim a sense of closure.

“If you experience or witness a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We take every report seriously and will stop at nothing to bring sexual offenders like Borges to justice.”

Description

A man who sexually abused a young child in Southampton has been jailed for eight years.

Juan Francisco De La Cruz, 59, assaulted a girl – who was under the age of 13 – at a property in Southampton on multiple occasions in 2022.

De La Cruz, of Robert Keen Close, Southwark, London, was convicted following a trial at Winchester Crown Court of two counts of assault by touching, and one of assaulting of a girl by penetration.

Appearing at the same court last Thursday (5 February), he was jailed for eight years.

He will also be subject to an indefinite restraining order and sexual harm prevention order.

DC Katharine Mumford, from the Child Abuse Investigation Team, who led the investigation, said:

“De La Cruz is a depraved and predatory offender who targeted a vulnerable child. No sentence can erase the impact of his actions, but I hope today’s result offers the victim and their family some sense of justice.

“I want to recognise the immense bravery shown by the young victim in coming forward and speaking about what happened. Their courage has been central to securing this conviction.

“Our team is dedicated to protecting children, pursuing offenders, and supporting families through what is often an incredibly painful process. We will always work tirelessly to ensure those who commit these appalling offences and harm children are brought before the courts.”

Description

Former teacher jailed for grooming and sexually abusing a pupil

A former teacher at Oaks Park High School in Carshalton has been jailed for sexually abusing a child he groomed while employed there in 2020.

Gary Vigar, 34, exchanged more than 2,000 messages with the girl, kissed her repeatedly and made her touch his penis at least six times. The court heard they also had late-night sexual phone calls after his wife had gone to bed.

Vigar initially denied the offences but changed his plea on the second day of his trial at Croydon Crown Court. He admitted two counts of sexual assault of a child by touching, three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. Charges of rape and sexual activity involving penetration were dropped.

On Friday 6 February, Judge Elizabeth Smaller sentenced him to five years and seven months in prison. He must serve at least half before release on licence and was made subject to an eight-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The judge told him:

“You only have yourself to blame. You have taken your life and blown it up. Your career as a teacher is over and more than that you have affected the lives of those close to you.”

The victim reported the abuse in 2021, but the case did not reach trial until November last year. In her statement she said:

“Words don’t feel adequate to explain and describe the effect this abuse has had on me… I have spent many years of my life just trying to survive. I don’t want another innocent young person to live through that nightmare. This isn’t a form of revenge, this is just the justice that I deserve.”

She added that the long delays had made the years “the worst of my young life.”

Judge Smaller expressed regret at the four-year wait and noted that Vigar had deleted messages in an attempt to evade detection. However, she gave him credit for eventually pleading guilty, sparing the victim a full trial, and for seeking counselling.

The victim had told police:

“I was scared that if I didn’t do something he asked… Don’t get me wrong, at the start I was taking part and was asking for it, but towards the end I didn’t really want it. He said he wanted to take my virginity, he always asked me to go to his house and I kept saying no.”

Description

A man has been sentenced to over four years in prison after targeting and sexually assaulting a woman on-board a Jubilee Line train, following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation.

Stanislaw Pozniecki, 49, and of Billet Road in Walthamstow, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on 29 January where he was jailed for four years and nine months.

He was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and ordered to pay a victim surcharge after changing his plea from not guilty to guilty to one count of Assault by Penetration.

The SHPO prohibits him from approaching, touching, staring, sitting next to, or making any attempts to communicate with lone women on the rail network in the UK, including the London Underground.

The court heard how at around 11.45pm on Sunday 2 January 2022, Pozniecki sought out the lone 25-year-old woman travelling on-board a southbound Jubilee Line service.

He sat opposite the woman as she slept and initially attempted to wake her up, before moving to the seat next to her and sexually assaulting her.

She awoke to him sexually assaulting her, at which point he asked her to sleep with him and offered her £20 to do so, which she declined and attempted to shrug him off.

Both the victim and Pozniecki got off the Tube at Wembley Park, and she walked away from him to sit on a bench down the platform.

Pozniecki then approached her again before a member of rail staff noticed his strange behaviour and asked him to move away from the victim.

Once she was alone with the member of staff, she disclosed the sexual assault and the staff member called the police.

Officers immediately attended the station to arrest Pozniecki and took him to custody for questioning.

BTP detectives built a compelling case against Pozniecki resulting in him changing his plea from not guilty to guilty.

BTP Detective Constable Jamie Saunders said:

"Pozniecki sought out and assaulted a lone woman who was simply travelling home. His abhorrent actions were predatory, and I am pleased to see him handed this jail term.

"It is thanks to the courage and support of the victim that we have been able to bring him before the courts and put him behind bars for years to come. I would also like to extend my thanks to the member of rail staff who spotted something suspicious, immediately intervened, and called the police.”

Description

A child sex offender who had evaded police and was finally captured following a Live Facial Recognition (LFR) deployment in Hackney has been sentenced.

On Friday, 19 December 2025, an LFR police van operating on Kingsland High Street, Dalston, identified Mohamed Patel as wanted for child sex offences.

Officers moved in swiftly, and he was arrested on suspicion of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming.

The case highlights LFR’s value in making London safer, with the tool helping officers locate those who pose a risk to women and girls.

Patel, 61 (11.04.1964), of Stoke Newington Road, Hackney, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, 2 February, where he was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

The Metropolitan Police Service continues to use LFR across London’s crime hotspots, helping officers locate wanted individuals.

Since the beginning of 2024, this technology has contributed to taking more than 1,700 offenders off the streets of London, including those wanted for rape and serious violence.

Lindsey Chiswick, the Met’s lead for facial recognition, said:

“The Met is committed to making London safer, using technology to identify offenders that pose a significant risk to our communities.

“This is a prime example of why the technology is vital. Without it, Patel could have continued to evade police and cause further harm to other victims.

“LFR is a powerful and game-changing tool, which is helping us to catch dangerous individuals and deliver justice for victims.”

Between Monday, 9 March 2020 and Saturday, 29 August 2020, Patel attempted to engage in conversation with a 12-year-old girl on an online chatroom.

Patel asked her what type of clothes she wears and made explicit sexual comments towards her.

He eventually travelled to meet the girl. However, instead of the girl, Patel was found and arrested by Met officers.

Following a complex investigation, he was charged on Friday, 30 May 2025 with attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to meet a girl under 16 years of age following grooming.

He failed to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 27 June 2025 and was circulated as wanted, before being located by LFR and arrested by officers on Friday, 19 December 2025.

Patel pleaded guilty to both offences at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 20 December 2025.

Description

A 64-year-old man who raped a woman in Horsham has been sentenced at court.

Oslen Kelman, of Lambert Road in Lambeth, London, was charged with three counts of rape relating to a woman who was known to him.

The victim – a woman in her 50s – reported being raped by Kelman in a motorway service station toilet in the early 1990s.

She also reported that Kelman had raped her multiple times over a sustained period of time.

When the allegations were first reported to Sussex Police, the victim was given specialist support by officers and our partners, which has continued throughout the investigation and judicial process.

Kelman was arrested, charged and faced a trial that concluded with a hung jury in March, 2025.

Following a retrial at Lewes Crown Court, on 28 November Kelman was found guilty of one count of rape – relating to the offence at the motorway service station – and not guilty of two separate counts of rape.

At the same court on Friday (30 January), he was sentenced to four years in prison.

Detective Constable Gemma Nickols said:

“I would like to thank the victim in this investigation for the courage and determination she has shown to report Oslen Kelman’s offending to us and help hold him accountable for his crimes.

“Thanks to her strength, Kelman is now rightly behind bars having faced justice.

“Our message to other victims of sexual offences, no matter how long ago, is to please report to Sussex Police. We will support you, we will investigate and we will do all we can to get the justice you deserve.”

Description

Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for child sexual offences in Eton.

Following a thorough police investigation, Jacob Leland, aged 37, of Lincolns Inn Field, Camden, was today (30/1) sentenced to three years and three months’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court for a number of child sexual offences.

He will also be on the sex offender register for life.

Leland was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault following a trial at Reading Crown Court which concluded on 14 October.

Leland was acquitted of 13 counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual assault.  

The incidents took place at Eton College in the early 2010s.

The offences were reported to Thames Valley Police in 2020 and the Child Abuse Investigation Unit launched an investigation.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kelly Ware, said:

“Firstly, I would like to praise the victim in this case for the bravery and courage that he has shown in coming forward and for supporting this investigation.

"Leland held a position of trust and completely abused this by committing abhorrent crimes that will have a long-lasting effect on his victim. No one should have to go through what they went through.

“No matter what the passage of time, we will also investigate such offences thoroughly and support victims.

“When offences such as this are reported, victims will always be listened to, and we will do all that we can to hold individuals to account and put them before the courts for their actions.“

Description

A man convicted of multiple sexual assaults on London's transport network and beyond exhibited a disturbing pattern of behavior that traumatized victims.

Craig Anderson, 38, targeted women at Bank, Liverpool Street, and Westminster Underground stations, plus Redhill in Surrey, from June to October last year. CCTV showed him pushing through barriers at Bank on June 14, grinning while seeking a lone victim. In one assault, he laughed as his victim screamed and cried.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard he groped a woman on a staircase and, on a Gatwick train, asked another what she'd do if he tried to kiss her—then attempted it despite her warning she'd report him.

Anderson also stalked a woman met on a train, contacting her from eight numbers. In August, he sent her an unsolicited explicit image, later calling it “playful.”

He was convicted of four sexual assault counts and stalking causing serious alarm or distress from June 26 to October 3. From the dock, he shouted: “I can do what I want about girls.”

Prosecutor Ellen Alexander said: “He was deliberately targeting vulnerable women alone on public transport for sexual pleasure. He did not take no for an answer. He walks away smiling and sticking his tongue out. He does not understand the seriousness of what he has done.”

British Transport Police called Anderson a serious danger to women, noting his smirking during questioning and lack of remorse.

The BTP investigating officer said:

“Anderson is a dangerous predator who preyed on women for his own sexual gratification. During his initial questioning he smirked his way through providing no comment responses, highlighting his lack of remorse for his actions. It is thanks to the brave victims who supported this investigation that we have seen him convicted for these heinous crimes. If you experience or witness a sexual offence on-board a train or at a station, I urge you to report it to us by texting 61016. We take all reports seriously, and do everything possible to bring them to justice.”

Description

A man who sexually assaulted a woman after trapping her in a train toilet before going on to assault a teenager just minutes later has been jailed for six years.

Following a British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, Daniel Odubanjo, 27 of King Avenue, Clapham, was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday 12 January for one count of False Imprisonment and two counts of Sexual Assault after being found guilty following an earlier trial.

Odubanjo received six years in prison, ordered to pay a victim surcharge, and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which prohibits him from being under the influence of any substance while on public transport, at stations or on Network Rail property.

The court heard how on Friday 29 November 2024, on-board a service from Shenfield to Chelmsford, Odubanjo repeatedly banged on the toilet door while it was engaged.

The woman inside quickly washed her hands and unlocked the door expecting to find another passenger needing to use the facilities.

But instead she came face to face with Odubanjo who pushed her back inside the cubicle and locked the door, forcefully grabbing her wrists and sexually assaulting her.

In the struggle that ensued, the woman, who was 21 at the time, managed to open the door and attempt to get the attention of a fellow passenger but he grabbed her and pulled her back into the toilet where he continued the sexual assault as she screamed for help.

It was only when she lied about her age, claiming to be 14, that Odubanjo let her go.

In an extremely distressed state, she approached a member of staff and left the train at Chelmsford where she reported what had happened to BTP.

Just moments later, Odubanjo approached a 17-year-old girl boarding the service and sat opposite her, asking her a barrage of inappropriate questions before exposing himself.

When he left to go to the toilet, the teenager moved seats to sit closer to other passengers, telling them what had happened, but Odubanjo returned and sat next to her and sexually assaulted her.

A passenger sat nearby grabbed Odubanjo off the girl.

The train was met by BTP officers at Hatfield Peverel station, just outside Chelmsford, and Odubanjo was arrested at the scene.

BTP Detective Sergeant Hayley Whyte said:

"Odubanjo preyed on a young woman and a teenage girl in terrifying attacks just minutes apart.

“Both were left distressed and traumatised by the vile assaults he subjected them to. Despite this, their courage and determination to see him brought to justice has resulted in a suitably lengthy prison sentence.

“I commend their bravery, and that of the bystanders who intervened in the second attack.”

Description

A man has pleaded guilty to 48 sexual offences against his former wife.

Philip Young, 49, formally of Swindon but now living in Enfield, appeared at Winchester Crown Court today (23/01) charged with dozens of serious sexual offences against his ex-wife, Joanne.

He pleaded guilty to the following offences:

• 11 counts of rape
• 11 counts of administering a substance with intent to stupefy / overpower to allow sexual activity
• 14 counts of voyeurism
• 7 counts of assault by penetration
• 4 counts of sexual assault
• One count of publishing an obscene article

He pleaded not guilty to making indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images of children and possessing extreme pornographic images.

He will proceed to trial for these offences, scheduled for October 5 this year at Winchester Crown Court.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Geoff Smith said:

“I welcome today’s guilty plea from Philip Young, who has admitted dozens of serious sexual offences against Jo.

“I want to pay tribute to her for her incredible bravery throughout this process and she continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

“I’d also like to commend the investigation team for their relentless hard work in getting the case to this stage and thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their support in ensuring Young faces justice for his abhorrent actions.

“As the wider case is now continuing through the courts, it would be inappropriate to comment further."

James Foster, Specialist Prosecutor, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“Philip Young has today pleaded guilty to 48 serious sexual offences committed against his former wife, Joanne Young.

“We worked closely with Wiltshire Police to build a thorough and compelling case that resulted in him pleading guilty to dozens of offences today.”

Description

Update

A 45-year-old British man was charged on Friday, 16 January with 15 further offences relating to possession of indecent images of children and acts of outraging public decency.

Vincent Chan, 45 (28.10.80), of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley was charged on Friday, 16 January with the following offences:

• Nine counts of taking an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child, at category A, B and C
• Six counts of acts of outraging public decency

The charges relate to nine separate girls.

The charges relate to offending which predates other offences, which Chan has already pleaded guilty to. He awaits sentencing.

Those offences involved offending at a nursery in West Hampstead. These new charges did not take place at the same location.

Officers continue to work at pace and the investigation is ongoing.

Chan remains in custody.

2025-12-03

A nursery worker has pleaded guilty in one of the most harrowing and complex child sexual abuse investigations undertaken by the Metropolitan Police Service. 

The conviction, which includes 26 charges, marks a chilling chapter in the fight against crimes targeting society’s most vulnerable.

Vincent Chan, 45 (28.10.80), a British national of Stanhope Avenue, Finchley, appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Wednesday, 3 December for a pre-trial hearing. Chan pleaded guilty to 26 offences relating to sexual assault offences against children and the taking and making of indecent images of children.

The offences include five counts of sexual assault of a child by penetration, four counts of sexual assault of a child by touching, 11 counts of taking indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child, and six counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of a child. The latter offences involved images across categories A, B, and C, with category A depicting the most severe abuse.

Families of the identified children have been contacted directly and are receiving specialist support. A dedicated NSPCC helpline has been set up for all families whose children attended the nursery to discuss concerns and access support.

Chan will be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 23 January.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford, who led the Met’s investigation, said:

“Child sexual abuse is one of the most horrific crimes imaginable, and Chan’s offending spanned years, revealing a calculated and predatory pattern of abuse. He infiltrated environments that should have been safe havens for children, exploiting the trust of families and the wider community to conceal his actions and prey on the most vulnerable.

“Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are continuing to review digital devices and assess Chan’s conduct across all relevant settings. We recognise the member of staff who raised their concerns, as without that first report of child cruelty Chan’s abuse could have continued unchecked, putting countless more children at risk.

“These appalling offences have caused deep shock and distress. We thank the community for its continued cooperation and reaffirm our commitment to supporting victims and their families. If you have any concerns, please contact the dedicated NSPCC helpline on 0800 028 0828 for specialist support. We are working closely with the NSPCC to ensure every family affected receives the help they need.”

Leigh Day, representing some of the families who attended the nursery at the time of the offending, have issued the following statement:

"As parents we are still trying to process the sickening discovery that our children were subjected to despicable abuse by Vincent Chan at the nursery.

“In admitting the charges, we are spared the prospect of hearing Vincent Chan's crimes at the nursery described in graphic detail in a trial. We trust the judge to pass the strongest sentence to fit the crimes Vincent Chan has committed against young children, innocent victims who could not fight back.

“We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police Service for their assistance and support so far, but appreciate that their investigations in this case are not yet complete.”

Chan’s guilty plea comes after a determined investigation from Met officers following his arrest on 11 June 2024.

The initial arrest on suspicion of child cruelty was prompted by a member of staff at the nursery, who reported that Chan had been capturing disturbing footage of children at the nursery he worked at in West Hampstead. Chan had been using a nursery-issued iPad to record the footage, which he then distorted by adding superimpositions and music for comedic purposes. He also shared stills with his colleagues.

At the point of arrest, officers seized 25 digital devices from his home and three from the nursery. Forensic teams trawled through the devices, where they uncovered substantial amounts of indecent images and videos of children, including evidence of contact sexual offences against children.

The videos depicted sexual contact offending taking place within the nursery, at times when Chan was responsible for minding the children.

Following this discovery, officers worked quickly to rearrest Chan on Monday, 8 September and formally charged him with the child sexual offences the following day.

A further 26 digital devices were seized from his home and 15 more from the nursery. In total, 69 devices were retrieved and analysed by Met officers as part of this investigation. Officers continue to investigate and review the materials, noting no further evidence of contact offending against children has been identified.

In light of the complex nature and scale of Chan’s offending, Met officers have worked sensitively to identify the victims. At this time, four young children have been identified as victims of contact-related sexual offending or being the subject of indecent images.

Their parents or guardians have been visited and informed by specially trained local officers and provided with a contact. Following these difficult conversations, families were also given direct access to specialist support services and local community partners for long-term, trauma-informed support.

Helen Reddy, Specialist Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“Vincent Chan abused his position whilst working at a nursery to commit these horrific crimes against very young girls.

“It was a heinous breach of trust by someone working in a caring profession and in what should have been a safe place for children.

“The evidence against him was compelling and the nature and number of offences the CPS charged him with reflects the seriousness of his offending.

“The CPS will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to pursue perpetrators of child sexual abuse and secure justice for victims.

“I encourage the reporting of child sexual abuse to the police as you are not alone and there is always help available.”

Kellie Ann Fitzgerald, NSPCC Assistant Director for London and the South East, said:

“We are shocked and horrified by the nature and scale of the child sexual abuse that has come to light through this police investigation. Our thoughts are with all the children, families, and communities that have been impacted by Chan’s appalling breach of trust.

“The effects of child sexual abuse can be devastating for victims and their families, so part of our response must be to offer hope and healing. Alongside the local safeguarding partnerships, our first priority is to ensure that anyone directly impacted or worried about their child has the fastest possible access to the help and support they need. A dedicated NSPCC helpline has been set up - 0800 028 0828 - and our child protection specialists will be able to advise and take any necessary action to ensure the right support is put in place for every family.

“We are working with a network of specialist child sexual abuse services to provide therapeutic support for any child or parent who needs it. At the NSPCC, our ‘Letting the Future In’ service provides children and parents with the space, help and resources to process what has happened to them, and take vital steps towards recovery.

“In addition, our professional learning services are bringing together a range of resources for early years, education and community organisations to promote safe practice, and our schools service is working with education settings to help children know who they can turn to so they can be protected and supported. We encourage any setting which feels it could benefit from this support to reach out to us.”

Description

An actor who preyed on young vulnerable victims has today (Wednesday 14 January) been jailed for sex offences against children.

John Shannon, who is also known as John Alford, aged 54, of Hartham Road, Islington, has been sentenced to eight years and six months in prison.

Shannon was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a Restraining Order until further order. He will also serve on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

Sentencing Shannon at St Albans Crown Court, judge Recorder Caroline Overington said in her pre-sentencing remarks: “The girls were in what should have been a safe environment, you (John) returned to this house after a night at the pub.

“You (John) were a trusted family friend and fully aware that the girls were 14 and 15 years of age.

“You (John) have shown a lack of acknowledgement of your offending and showed little remorse.”

Following a trial at St Albans Crown Court in September 2025, he was convicted and now today, sentenced for the following offences:

• Count 1 Sexual Activity with a child - 3 yrs concurrent
• Count 2 Sexual activity with a child - 3 years concurrent
• Count 3 Penetrative sexual activity with a child - 8 years 6 months
• Count 4 Penetrative sexual activity with a child - 6 years concurrent
• Count 5 Assault by penetration - 4 years concurrent
• Count 6 Sexual Assault - 8 months concurrent

Reports were received from two victims in April 2022, and an investigation was launched by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s specialist Sexual Offences Investigation Team (SOIT) into Shannon’s offending.

He was arrested shortly after the reports were made and was subsequently charged on 16 July 2023 following a complex investigation. Shannon pleaded not guilty to all charges at a hearing in St Albans Crown Court on 26 September 2023.

During the trial, the court heard that in the early hours of Saturday 9 April 2022, two girls aged 14 and 15 were having a sleepover at a friend's house in Hoddesdon. John Shannon arrived at the property during the evening as a guest of the homeowner and was intoxicated.

After purchasing and supplying the victims with alcohol, Shannon then lured one of the victims into sexual intercourse on two occasions. He also sexually assaulted the second victim twice whilst she was falling asleep on the sofa.

Shannon completely denied all charges put to him.

Investigator Laura Harrison from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team, said:

“I want to praise the bravery of our two victims for coming forward and reporting John Shannon’s horrific crimes to police.

“Shannon has not shown any of signs of remorse, from his interviews in custody, to the trial which his victims had to endure.

“I hope that our victims are now able to move on in their lives knowing that Shannon will now be spending a considerable amount of time behind bars.

“This result reinforces the message that Hertfordshire Constabulary has a zero tolerance to crimes of this nature, and I hope Shannon is able to reflect on his behaviour and the trauma his actions have caused, not only for the victims but for their families as well.”

Lawyer Chris White for the Crown Prosecution Service said:

“John Shannon was fully aware of the girl’s ages, yet he chose to exploit them – giving them alcohol and then committing sexual offences against them.

“We commend the victims for reporting what happened. They were supported to give evidence against Shannon: their statements were recorded and played to the jury during the trial, and we arranged for screens to be provided so they did not have to face the defendant during cross examination.

“Shannon’s sentence today sends a clear message – we will pursue those who target young people for their own gratification.”