Latest Offenders london

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A paedophile caught as part of a sting operation by a vigilante group was proposed to in court by his girlfriend as he was hauled off to prison. Vicky Owen shouted: "Baby I love you, will you marry me?" to Mark Owen as the 53-year-old was jailed for 22 months at Harrow Crown Court on June 27.

He replied "Will do", as a bewildered Judge John Lodge peered over his glasses and Ms Owen apologised for interrupting. Mark Owen, of Brentfield House, Stonebridge, previously pleaded guilty to three charges of sexual communication, grooming, and inciting sexual activity.

It comes after so-called paedophile hunter vigilante group COBRA UK passed messages to the Metropolitan Police showing he had contacted a 14-year-old decoy over a period of five days last year, MyLondon reports.

Prosecutor Dipan Varsani explained how Owen sent the decoy, named 'Jessika', a photo of his penis and asked her to send one back of her in the shower. The court also heard incriminating texts where Owen wrote he wanted to 'make love' to the girl and asked her to wear a short skirt so he could easily reach between her legs when they met.

Mr Varsani said: "We know [the planned meeting] was to 'make love' and touch her in between the legs. And asking her to wear a mini-skirt so when they met he could put his hand up her skirt."

Mr Varsani added: "He also sent inappropriate messages, all the whilst thinking and knowing it was a 14-year-old. He sent a picture of his penis, and requested inappropriate pictures from the decoy child."

Defending Nick Wells described his jobless client as "completely naïve and pathetic" after he posed as a mechanic and spoke to the decoy about his favourite football team and food.

Mr Wells said: "He's not a sex offender, he does not have a history of paedophilia, he does not think he would have gone through with it. He really comes across in many ways as a pitiful person, he's a heavy drinker and has not had a successful life."

"It's a personal humiliation on him of the highest kind, it's against his whole image of himself," Mr Wells added. "He pretended to be a mechanic to this decoy but he's unemployed. The high point of this is 'make love' but the rest of it is just pathetic."

Chelsea fan Owen had already spent nearly five months in custody when he appeared arms crossed in a grey tracksuit before the court. Judge Lodge explained the most serious count of inciting sexual activity fell into a lower category of harm because it "wasn't clear" full penetrative sex was going to take place, and the use of a decoy gives a small discount as Jessika was "not a real child".

Judge Lodge sentenced Owen to 22 months in prison for inciting sexual activity with a child, and six months each for sexual communication and grooming. He will serve half his sentence in custody and is entered on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Vicky Owen declared herself as Owen's girlfriend at the start of the hearing, then stood up and proposed to him as he was jailed. Before leaving the court she asked Judge Lodge for clarification on her new fiancé's sentence.

MyLondon approached Ms Owen outside the court but she refused to comment.

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A survivor of sexual offences, who was subjected to many years of sexual abuse has directly addressed her perpetrator today, as he is jailed for 10 years and 6 months.

Terry Crabb, 71 of Star Lane, London appeared at Chelmsford Court Court on Friday, 25 August where he was sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple sexual offences against children.

An investigation into Crabb was launched in April 2020 after a survivor bravely reported the years of sexual abuse she had been subjected to in Loughton.

The investigation was managed by Essex Police’s Quest team, who are trained in investigating non-recent sexual offences where the victim was a child at the time.

Enquiries revealed that Crabb had started sexually abusing the victim when she was 13-years-old.

He was arrested in June 2020. In interview, Crabb denied all offences. Further enquiries revealed that Crabb was in possession of a number of indecent images of the victim.

He was later charged and pleaded guilty to 4 counts of sexual activity with a girl 13 to 15 and two counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child and three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child.

He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday 25 August where he was sentenced to 10 years and 6 months in prison.

'You are a coward'

Following the sentence, the survivor in this case said what she’d like to say to Terry Crabb now:

“I still remember the very first time you laid your hands on me and I remember how uncomfortable and frozen I was when it happened.

“At first, I wondered if it was a one off, but then I soon realised the flood gates had been opened and you would keep taking what you wanted.

“I wanted to say something, but I never thought I could.

“I remember talking about self- harm; you would tell me only cowards did that. The only coward I’ve ever known, was you.”

Detective Constable Emily Monk said:

“Crabb manipulated this victim into thinking that his offences were normal and that she’d have to accept them as part of her life.

“This sentence is a direct result of the bravery she has demonstrated in breaking out of years of abuse.

“I hope she is able to move forward with her life.”

Crabb will remain subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and lifelong notification requirements.

Essex Police’s Quest team investigates non-recent sexual offences cases where the victim was a child at the time of the abuse but is now an adult.

Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis).

Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.

Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy.

For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process.

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A former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) mayor has been stripped of his MBE following a conviction for a sexual offence.

Thomas Hogg, now 34, was found guilty in 2021 of an offence against a teenage boy in 2019.

He had been made an MBE in the 2016 Queen's Birthday Honours list.

He served as mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council in 2014-15, but resigned from the council after charges were brought.

Hogg had also resigned from the DUP at the time charges were brought against him.

The Cabinet Office can advise the King to revoke honours for a range of reasons.

Suspended sentence

On Tuesday it listed Hogg among 12 people to have had their honours forfeited., external

He received the award in 2016 for services to local government.

Hogg was given a suspended sentence after being found guilty of attempting to engage a child in sexual behaviour.

He had offered to perform a sexual act on a 15-year-old boy and asked the boy to perform a similar act.

Hogg had claimed he was tipsy but the judge said alcohol was no excuse for what had happened.

The judge said Hogg's proposal came as a shock to the boy, who vehemently rejected it and reported the matter to the police.

The court heard the incident had a serious effect on the victim.

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A predator who raped a woman in the City of London on New Year’s Day has been jailed for six years and nine months.

Awet Solomon, 24, attacked the victim as she alighted a bus on Mansell Street, near the Tower of London, and walked towards Whitechapel High Street.

He dragged her into an alleyway, beat, strangled and then subjected her to a violent sex attack.

When Solomon, who was not known to the victim, fled she contacted the police and an investigation was launched on January 1.

He was arrested, charged and remanded in custody within 36 hours of the report.

Solomon, of Bath Road, West Drayton, pleaded guilty to rape, strangulation and actual bodily harm and was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday.

Detective Superintendent Richard Waight, of the City of London Police, said specialist officers worked closely with the woman.

He added: “I would like to thank the victim for showing tremendous courage and strength to come forward to report such an abhorrent incident and in supporting this investigation.

“City of London Police take allegations of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and we investigate them with the utmost sensitivity.

“We will believe you, listen and support you throughout every step of the investigation and do everything we can to bring the offender to justice.

“I would also praise all those who investigated this crime. Their diligence and hard work has contributed to making the City a safer place.”

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A man who raped six young women over a three-year period has today been convicted.

Kevarnie Queen, 19, known on social media as the ‘Brixton R Kelly’ met all but one of the victims - all under the age of 18 - through ‘SnapChat’, where he would flatter and groom them before arranging to meet. For three years he was a prolific sexual predator and an offender who had no regard for his victims, some of whom were raped on numerous occasions.

Queen was initially arrested on 8 April 2020 in relation to two offences of rape. He did not provide an account to police. He was subsequently arrested in June and again on 8 August 2022 for further offences of rape which he denied, claiming that the women were all lying and were part of a hate campaign against him. On 18 August 2023 the jury at Inner London Crown Court found him guilty of 22 counts of rape. He has been remanded in custody to appear at the same court on 13 October 2023 for sentence.

Laura Devitt, Senior Crown Prosecutor from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit in London South said: “It has taken immense bravery and mental fortitude for the victims to come forward in this case particularly given their young age and the lasting impact these offences have had on all of them.

“Queen has clearly demonstrated he saw these young girls’ existence purely for his own satisfaction. Queen claimed he was a ‘player’ and knew how to make girls like him and that any activity was consensual.

“His misogynistic and deplorable actions have now been exposed for what they are, and these convictions ensure no further women are caused further irreparable harm at his hands.

“Every woman and girl should be free and feel safe to go about their daily lives, including walking alone, without fear of harassment or sexual offences. The CPS is committed to bringing offenders who commit crimes against women to justice.”

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A "dangerous" man has been jailed for 13 years and 8 months after pleading guilty to sexual offences relating to two children in Hertfordshire.

Michael Hargrave, 31, from Loch Crescent in Edgware, admitted six charges at St Albans Crown Court on August 10.

He was arrested at and address in Kings Langley on May 11, 2023, after a 14-year-old girl from Hemel Hempstead reported engaging in sexual activity with a man she had met online.

While Hargrave was in custody, further investigations found there was a nine-year-old victim in Hemel Hempstead, whom officers were then able to safeguard.

He had been speaking to the girl via Snapchat using his online alias.  

Hargrave was subsequently charged with:

• Two counts of sexual communication with a child.
• Three counts of sexual activity with a child.
• Two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act.
• One count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activities.
• Three counts of a breach of sexual harm prevention order.
• One count of failure to comply with notification requirements.

The offences took place between January 2022 and April of this year.

Hargrave met both victims initially on Snapchat and then arranged to meet the 14-year-old victim in person, and subsequently committed offences against her.

Detective Sergeant Sam Jarvis, from the child online safeguarding team, said: “This was a good result for the team, who have taken another very dangerous offender off the streets thanks to the bravery of the two victims.

“We will continue to identify and proactively target those within Hertfordshire who pose a sexual risk towards children.”

His sentence was extended for another five years on licence, he will be on the Sex Offenders' Register, and must abide indefinitely by the conditions of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Licence conditions are a set of rules that an individual must follow if they are released from prison but still have part of their sentence to serve in the community.

The licence can be revoked, and an individual can be recalled to custody at any time during the licence period if the probation service considers that an individual has breached conditions of their licence.

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Harry Blake was a follower of neo-Nazi and Satanic ideologies, the Old Bailey heard.

A neo-Nazi paedophile who previously avoided a prison term has been jailed after committing further offences.

Harry Blake, from south-west London, was given a suspended sentence in 2020 after admitting 14 terror charges.

On Thursday, the 21-year-old was sentenced to three years and two months in jail after pleading guilty to a counter-terror order breach, as well as making an indecent image of a child.

Passing sentence, an Old Bailey judge said he posed a "significant risk".

Blake also pleaded guilty to possessing extreme pornography, and breaching a crime prevention order and the terms of his suspended prison sentence.

Previously known as Harry Vaughan, he is the son of a House of Lords clerk and achieved high grades at his prestigious grammar school.

'Toxic online community'

After he was arrested again last year, detectives found a laptop and a mobile phone that he was barred from owning.

Material recovered from the devices showed Blake's "continued interest" in right-wing extremism, prosecutor Dan Pawson-Pounds told the court.

Mr Pawson-Pounds said Blake had searched online for the banned terrorist groups Sonnenkrieg Division and Atomwaffen Division. He also had a book in which Adolf Hitler is revered as a god.

Blake's phone contained videos of the "violent forcing" of a sex act on women, and a film of a young boy being sexually abused by a man.

In mitigation, defence barrister Arthur Kendrick said Blake had been exposed to a "toxic online community" at a young age, and, while the views instilled in him may take time to diminish, there were some "green shoots" of change.

In 2020, Blake admitted 12 counts of possessing documents useful to a terrorist, one count of encouraging terrorism and one of disseminating terrorist publications. He also admitted having videos of young boys being raped.The judge decided against sending Blake to prison, despite concluding he was dangerous. Expert evidence had stated Blake's ideology was a "hybrid" of neo-Nazism and a violent form of Satanism.

On Thursday, Judge Sarah Munro KC said that when he was sentenced in 2020, Blake had "falsely asserted" that his "mindset had changed" since committing his initial crimes.
As well as sentencing him to a 38-month prison term, she made him the subject of a five-year serious crime prevention order.

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Detectives are seeking a man convicted of raping a woman in east London after he was sentenced in his absence.

William White, 24 (09.08.98) of Paragon Road, Hackney was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 1 August to five-and-a-half years' imprisonment for one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by touching.

White failed to appear at the hearing and is now wanted by police. Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who knows where he is.

White was found guilty on Friday, 19 May after a nine day trial, which saw the victim-survivor bravely attend court to give evidence in front of her attacker.

White will be placed on the Sex Offender Register for life and will be managed by specialist officers when he is released from prison.

Detective Constable Jamie Merrill, the investigating officer, said: “White subjected the victim to a horrifying ordeal when she was asleep and vulnerable.

“Throughout the trial he attempted to mislead the court about his actions, but the 12 men and women of the jury correctly identified his dishonesty and convicted him unanimously of rape.

“Significant resources are being brought to bear to apprehend White so he can face justice. I urge anybody with information about White’s whereabouts to contact police immediately.”

On 17 January 2020, the victim attended White’s address in Hackney with a friend for a social gathering. She described for the court how she had trusted White, having already known him through friends.

The victim fell asleep at the address and later woke to find White raping her. She reported the incident to police on 19 January 2020.

White was arrested by detectives two days later and an extensive investigation was carried out across London and the south-east. He was charged with the offence on 20 December 2021.

DC Merrill added: “I hope that today’s sentence will bring a small measure of peace to the victim and a sense that justice has been served.”

White had also been charged with a further count of rape in relation to a second victim. He was found not guilty of that offence.

PC Rita Stepanoviene, a specialist officer who worked on the case supporting the victim-survivor, added: “I wish to thank this young lady and her close friend who came forward to provide the crucial evidence needed to convict White.

"They have both been incredibly brave, and by coming forward they have undoubtedly protected others from being targeted by this dangerous individual.

"We hope this case shows we will always take reports of this nature incredibly seriously. We would urge any others who may have been subject to these types of offences to come forward and speak to us - at the very least so that we can make sure you are supported."

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A rapist who crept into bed and sexually assaulted his flatmate as she slept has been jailed for 14 years.

Andrew White, 33, was found to have choked the woman, in her 30s, after she woke up in the middle of the attack at the address they shared in Lambeth and tried to pull away.

Police rushed on June 18, last year after the victim reported the rape and are now looking for any other potential survivors of White to come forward.

The victim alleges she had been asleep when she awoke to find White behind her. His genitals were exposed and her trousers had been pulled down.

When she moved away from him White then put his hands around her neck in a choke hold.

On arrest officers searched White and found him in possession of cannabis.

He was taken into custody where he strenuously denied the allegations.

Detectives gathered witness testimony, video and forensic evidence that would ultimately prove White’s guilt.

DC Mariama Connell said: “The victim lived in the same address as White but was not in any sort of relationship with him. She was asleep and White saw this as an opportunity to attack her for his own sexual gratification.

“I know she continues to live with the impact of what happened to this day. It is my hope that knowing White has received a significant custodial term will provide her some small measure of comfort.

“In the pre-sentencing report White was assessed as someone who posed a high risk of significant harm to adult women. As a result we believe it may be possible that there are more victims of White who have yet to come forward.

“I urge any potential victims to make contact with us immediately. We will listen to you, we will act and we will do everything we can to bring you justice.”

White, of Walworth Road SE1, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Monday.

He had been convicted at a hearing in May of one count of rape, one count of non-fatal strangulation and possession of a class B drug at an earlier hearing.

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A man who sexually assaulted a woman on Brighton beach has been given a two-year sentence.

A Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed after being found guilty of sexual assault against a woman whilst on his stag do in East Sussex. Sergeant Laurence Knight, from Leyton in East London, attached to Met Detention, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court on Thursday, June 29 of one count of sexual assault. He was sentenced to two years - one behind bars and one on licence - on Friday, July 28.

After his conviction, Knight resigned from his position at the Met. He was found guilty of sexual assault but not guilty of rape. Knight was also issued with a restraining order and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years.

Knight had been on his stag do in Brighton when he sexually assaulted the woman in her 20s in the sea, on July 16, 2021. The incident was reported to Sussex Police who launched an investigation. Knight was identified as a suspect and arrested on July 28, 2021 on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

According to Sussex Police, the woman and Knight had a verbal confrontation which concluded with the stag group leaving the beach, and she reported the incident to the police on the same day. The Met's Directorate of Professional Standards was informed, and he was suspended from duty. Now that criminal proceedings have concluded he is set to face an accelerated misconduct hearing on Thursday, August 3.

Chief Superintendent Peter Gardner, responsible for Met Detention, said: "Knight's actions were thoroughly reprehensible and I recognise his behaviour would have further damaged the public's trust in the police. I also recognise the significant impact this would have had on the victim, and I praise her for coming forward.

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Withers, 68 of Bowes Road, New Southgate appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, 27 July where, following a week-long trial he was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of sexual offences against two children.

Withers was arrested in December 2020 after two victims bravely contacted Essex Police to report offences which took place between 2002 and 2020 in Harwich.

Following an investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team, Withers was charged with indecent assault of a girl under 13, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and assault of a girl under 13.

He pleaded not guilty and following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, was found guilty of all offences and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

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A photographer who raped a woman at his central London studio may have attacked others, police have said.

Sritharan Sayanthan, 42, was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Friday after being found guilty of two counts of rape and one of attempted rape at Hendon Crown Court.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, went to Sayanthan's studio on Brompton Road in May 2022 and paid for pictures to be taken.

She met him again on 8 July 2022 for a drink, believing it to be part of a networking process after he contacted her online, Scotland Yard said.

They met at a pub in Warren Street where Sayanthan "encouraged her to drink alcohol which made her intoxicated very quickly", police said.

The Met added: "He then led the victim to his studio. Here she blacked out on the studio floor. When partially awake she was aware of Sayanthan sexually assaulting her. She was unable to respond verbally or physically."

The victim, a Chinese national, went to police on 31 July 2022.

She did not go earlier because she was unfamiliar with how rape is investigated in the UK, officers said.

CCTV was discovered showing her "noticeably unsteady on her feet".

Scotland Yard said: "Statements were gathered from studio staff and further research uncovered several other photography businesses owned by the suspect."

Detective Constable Sophie Baker said officers "believe there could be other victims of Sayanthan" and are encouraging "anyone who wants to speak to us to come forward".

She added: "No piece of information is too small and you will be listened to and supported."

DC Baker praised the victim, too, describing her as "fantastic from start to finish".

She sent on: "She was extremely nervous at the prospect of giving evidence but, with the support of an interpreter, she told the court in fine detail what happened.

"For victims, describing the incident in court can be daunting but she did amazingly and I am personally very proud of her bravery and thankful to her for coming forward."

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A CHILD rapist who forced a girl to engage in a sexual act as their little secret has been jailed for more than 13 years.

Mark Smith, 30, has been sentenced to 13 years and 6 months after admitting rape and assault by penetration.

He must serve an extended licence period of one year.

The man had forced a girl to engage in a sexual act at an address on Canvey on June 4, 2016.

The victim reported to Essex Police that he had threatened her to make her go through with it and told her that it was their little secret.

She said she felt to embarrassed and scared to tell anyone what happened and was left feeling it was her fault.

As a result of the assault, the victim experienced significant struggles with her mental health to the point that she needed professional help.

It was at that point, in August 2019, that the offences were disclosed to Essex Police.

Smith, of Florian Avenue, Sutton, was arrested following month and when initially interviewed denied remembering the incident stating he couldnt recall if he was at the address on that day.

He was later charged with rape and assault by penetration and admitted the offences at Basildon Crown Court on March 30, 2022.

He was also sentenced for a separate count of causing a child to engage in sexual activity without consent.

This offence was committed by Smith while on court bail, in January 2022.

Det Con, Victoria Leese, the investigating officer from the child abuse investigating team, said: I want to praise the courage shown by the victim in this case, who went through an awful ordeal which has had a long-lasting impact.

No-one should experience what she has, and she has shown incredibly bravery in telling us what happened.

Mark Smith threatened her and forced her to take part in a sexual act. His actions are despicable, and I am please he has now been held accountable for them.

I hope this result will help the victim move forward.

I would also pay tribute to the family of the victims, whose bravery and trust in the police and throughout this process has been steadfast.

For more information about how to get support, visit synergyessex.org.uk

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A sick Metropolitan Police officer has been spared jail after he paid for videos of babies being sexually abused.

PC Darren Hourigan, 51, claimed he may have been hacked after he was caught accessing a portal which included 3,490 videos and 295 still images of children.

The portal included videos of babies as young as one being sexually abused.

PC Hourigan, of Coteford Street in Tooting, was a serving officer in the South Area Command Unit, which covers Bromley, Croydon and Sutton, when he was caught with the images.

In March 2020 the Mets Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse team found that two email addresses attributed to PC Hourigan had accessed the portal.

When he was arrested at his home in March 2020 he told colleagues he had no idea about the images.

The portal included four folders with child abuse images, including one titled baby and another titled 1 to 5.

In a second interview, PC Hourigan said he had used the file sharing platform to view cycling and athletics videos.

He continued to deny ever viewing indecent images of children but said I may have been hacked.

PC Hourigan eventually admitted his offending on April 26 when he pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent images of children.

On Friday (July 7) he appeared at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court where Judge Barklem gave him a 10 month prison sentence suspended for one year.

This means he will not see a prison cell unless he offends again during that period.

He was suspended from duties before he was charged on September 21 last year. He later resigned from the police force.

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, in charge of policing in South Area, said: We have made it clear that the Met will take action against any of its staff who are not fit to remain within the organisation, and we will now prepare for a misconduct hearing.

We are committed to providing Londoners with a Met that they deserve; one that upholds the law on the streets of the capital and amongst its own ranks.

The vast majority of the thousands of police officers and staff are striving to take this forward those who wont are not worthy to remain.

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A man has been jailed for raping a child over a period of time between 2006 and 2008.

Paul Hunt – 35 (19.09.87) of no fixed abode was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment following a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 29 June. He was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Hunt had been found guilty of rape and sexual assault of the girl, who was under the age of 13 at the time of the offences, at the conclusion of a trial on Friday, 16 June.

The court heard how Hunt knew the girl and groomed her over the course of several visits to the house he was staying at in Stratford at the time.

On various occasions between 2006 and 2008, Hunt raped and sexually assaulted the girl. He told her that no one would believe her if she told anyone about the abuse.

However, in 2018 the girl, by now an adult, confronted Hunt and reported the matters to police. Officers undertook an investigation which involved gathering evidence and witness statements from over ten years previously. 

Hunt was arrested but refused to answer questions during his police interview. However, he was charged and subsequently found guilty at court.

DI Jeremy McDermott of the North East Command Unit said: “Hunt exploited and took advantage of a vulnerable child on numerous occasions. He told the victim that she would not be believed. Despite this, she showed commendable bravery in coming forward and providing such strong evidence to police and at the trial. I hope that the sentence handed down will bring her a small measure of comfort and a sense that justice has been done.

"I would like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual crime to come forward and speak to police; they will be supported and their voice too can be heard.”