Latest Offenders

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A man who abused and sexually assaulted a woman has been jailed for almost 17 years.

Sion Evans, of Waterloo Street, Caernarfon, abused and controlled the woman and subjected her to physical and sexual assault.

The 33-year-old appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday, 14 July for sentencing, after previously admitting engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour.

He denied sexual assault but was found guilty following a trial at Mold Crown Court in May.

Evans’ tirade of physical attacks and threats left the woman living in fear for her life.

He had strangled her until she was unable to breathe and, in another incident, smashed the windscreen of her car in rage.

His abuse and threats left the victim fearful of falling asleep and of reporting his behaviour to police.

At Caernarfon Crown Court on 14 July, Evans received an extended sentence of 16 years and 9 nine months.

He was also made subject of an indefinite restraining order and must register with the police indefinitely.

Detective Constable Dominique Swift said:

“Evans’ behaviour has left a life-long impact on his victim, who will forever be traumatised by the violence and abuse he subjected her to.

“She was terrorised by Evans and lived in fear of his unpredictable and erratic actions, which made her fear for her life.

“He caused further trauma by forcing the woman to suffer through a trial and re-live the horrific incidents.

“I commend her bravery in coming forward and seeking support. I hope this sentence allows her to move forward in the knowledge he cannot contact her again.

“We remain relentless in our pursuit to bring to justice those who inflict violence upon women and girls. If you have experienced something similar, please talk to us and trust us. We are here for you.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a force priority and we will continue to relentlessly pursue offenders to bring them to justice.”

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A man who raped a woman whilst she was sleeping has been found guilty of rape following and appearance at Grimsby Crown Court on Friday, 17 July 2026.

Following a five-day trial a jury has found him guilty of rape, he has been remanded into custody and will return to the court on Friday, 14 August 2026 to be sentenced.

Jonathan Matthew, 30-years-old, of Scunthorpe was charged with rape, sexual assault by penetration, criminal damage, and breaching his existing Sex Offender Registration requirements on Monday, 9 February 2026.

He pleaded guilty to the criminal damage offence and breaching his Sex Offender Registration requirements on Monday, 16 March 2026, however denied all allegations of sexual offences throughout the legal proceedings. The jury returned on Friday, 17 July with a verdict of guilty on the count of rape and not guilty on the count of sexual assault.

Leading the investigation Detective Constable Niki White said:

“Firstly I would like to commend the woman who came forward and reported what had happened to her. Reporting to the police is never easy, and enduring an investigation through to a Crown Court trial is incredibly brave. The impact on this woman cannot be understated, but she has shown great strength which she should be proud of.

“Johnathan Matthew was already on the Sex Offender’s Register for an unrelated offence back in 2024 and breached his registration by failing to inform the police that he had changed his address.

“After receiving the woman’s report, Matthew was swiftly arrested. He denied the offences in police interview and maintained his lies through to trial. The investigation moved at pace, and I was pleased the charges were brought against him and he has been held to account.

“This has been a complex investigation, drawn out by Matthew’s refusal to admit his guilt. This vindictive decision only extended the pain and trauma he had already subjected the woman to by causing her to relive the events at trial. He lied repeatedly to the court, showing he has no respect for authority, and was only interested in saving his own skin rather than doing the right thing.

“Matthew caused damage to the house by throwing items and punching walls. Matthew attacked the sleeping woman at a point she was most vulnerable; the trauma and emotional impact that this has had will undoubtably stay with her for life.

“Whilst the result in court does not take away the harm Matthew has caused, I hope knowing he has been found guilty and will hopefully be behind bars for a very long time, offers some element of solace to the brave woman who came forward.

“We take all reports of rape and sexual offences extremely seriously and continue to work relentlessly to take offenders like Matthew out of our communities.

“Specialist trained officers work closely with partnering agencies across our force area to support victims and survivors, alongside aiding in preventing further incidents by putting perpetrators before the courts.

“My advice to all victims of sexual offences is to come forward and speak to us when you are ready, if you are not ready there are many partner organisations that you can tell, who are only required to pass this to us if you are in immediate danger.

“It is important that you tell someone, a friend, a loved one or an organisation who is there to help. We will always do everything we can to hold those to account who chose to commit such horrid crimes.”

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A man has been jailed for six years for engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, rape and criminal damage.

Connor Dunkley, from Fern Hill, Benllech, Tyn Y Gongl appeared at Chester Crown Court on 10 July to be sentenced after being found guilty of the offences at an earlier hearing.

The 31-year-old targeted his victim in Cheshire while they were in a relationship. He abused and belittled her throughout the course of the relationship. He was physically and verbally abusive towards her and damaged her property.

He continually told her she wasn’t good enough or attractive enough for him, and forced her to have sex.

He took her money, leaving her without, and isolated her from friends and family due to his jealousy.

DC Ashley Frowe said:

“Dunkley’s behaviour towards this woman was vile, unforgivable and callous. The sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and that behaving in this way will not be tolerated.

"I’d urge anyone in a similar position to contact us, or a support agency, to help them break free. Don’t suffer in silence.”

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A man has been jailed for over two years following an investigation into indecent images offences in Southampton.

An investigation was launched by the Internet Child Abuse Team, after receiving information that Thomas Foley, 40, of Avery Lane in Gosport, was involved in child sex offences.

Officers seized electronic devices, including laptops and several mobile phones from his address, which was previously in Southampton, and found over 8000 indecent images and over 2000 videos on the devices. He was subsequently arrested in December 2023 for numerous child sex offences.

• Three counts of making indecent images of children
• Three counts of distribution of indecent images of children
• One count of possession of prohibited images of children

He appeared again at the same court on Tuesday 14 July, where he was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment.

He also received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

PC Sarah Tickner of the Internet Child Abuse Team said:

“I am pleased to see Foley put behind bars for these offences. It is clear that he poses a serious risk to children and is dangerous individual, who deserves to face prison-time for his actions.”

“We are dedicated to keeping children safe and I hope this result evidences how seriously we treat all offences of this nature.

“We will continue to pursue these offenders and put them before the courts for their crimes.”

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A man has been convicted of more than 40 offences committed against five victims following a Leeds Safeguarding investigation.

Paul Benstock, 62, was found guilty yesterday (16 July) following a trial at Leeds Crown Court of a number of sexual offences and physical assaults against both adult and child victims, including 14 counts of rape. These offences took place between 1998 and 2020, when one of the victims came forward to the police.

Benstock, of Appletree Court, East Ardsley, was also identified as being involved in the making of indecent images of children following an operation by the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) and was also found guilty of these offences.

He has been remanded in custody to appear again at Leeds Crown Court on 14  August for sentencing.

Detective Sergeant Michelle Barnes, of Leeds Safeguarding Unit, said:

“We had one victim come forward to us to reporting that they had been the victim of offences at the hands of Benstock. As a result of our enquiries, we identified four other victims who then also had the courage to detail the crimes they had been subjected to.

“Much of Benstock’s offending was against victims who were children at the time. His victims have shown incredible bravery in giving us detailed accounts of what has taken place and then again supporting the trial process by giving evidence when Benstock refused to take accountability for his awful crimes.

“Benstock is yet to be sentenced and I know that that date will be another significant milestone in the journey that his victims have been through, but I do hope that today having got these verdicts that it brings them some comfort knowing that they were believed.

“I do not underestimate how hard it is to take that step to report physical or sexual offences to the police but if you have been a victim, please reach out for help and support when you are ready.”

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Ryan Clarkson, of Swain Court, Northampton, was sentenced last month (June 19) to five years in prison for committing child sex offences.

The 27-year-old had previously been found guilty of 13 counts of child sex offences, some counts including multiple occasions, totalling 28 offences, at a trial in Leicester Crown Court in December 2025.

Clarkson committed the offences when he was aged between 10 and 15, with his behaviour escalating from sexual touching to rape.

An investigation into the offences was launched in 2022 after multiple survivors of Clarkson’s abuse came forward, which led to him being charged with 20 offences, including six counts of rape of a child under 13 and three of rape.

He was also charged with two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13, six counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13, two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, and one count of sexual activity with a child.

Having denied the charges, Clarkson was found guilty by a jury and was convicted of six counts of raping of a child under 13 years, two counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13 years, four counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 years and one count of sexual activity with a child.

However, the jury found him not guilty of seven further offences – two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 years, three counts of rape and two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child.

When sentencing Clarkson at Leicester Crown Court in June 2026, His Honour Judge Ebrahim Mooncey said: “I accept he has not committed further offences. However, I have concluded that only a custodial sentence is appropriate in the circumstances to meet the justice of the case.

“The sentence cannot undo what has been done and the effects it has had on people’s lives for so many years. For the defendant, he has to be dealt with for his conduct when he was young and for the victims, some closure is needed for the damage he has caused to their lives.”

Detective Constable Evie Mugridge from the Force’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit, who led the investigation, said: “Ryan Clarkson subjected his young victims to serious sexual abuse over many years, causing them harm not only while they were children but psychological harm as adults, carrying the weight of what he did to them when they were young.

“I want to thank the survivors for the immense courage they have shown throughout and it is only because of their bravery and strength that Clarkson has been held accountable for his horrendous actions.

“We are committed to protecting children and bringing to justice those who seek to exploit or abuse them. We take these offences extremely seriously and would always encourage victims to come forward and report to us.”

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A 61-year-old man from Southampton has been jailed for 16 years and nine months for child sex offences in Totton.

Peter Bryan Rudd, of Acacia Road, was sentenced at Southampton Crown Court yesterday Thursday (16 July).

Following a five-day trial at the same court, between Tuesday 7 April and Monday 13 April, Rudd was found guilty of raping a child aged 11-years-old and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

His crimes, which took place over a four-year period, were first reported to police in May 2024.

As well as the time he will now spend behind bars, Rudd was also placed on the Sex Offenders' Register for life, handed a lifetime restraining order, preventing him from having any contact with the victim, and made subject to a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Upon his eventual release from prison, Rudd must also complete an additional year of supervision.

Speaking during sentencing, His Honour Judge Rowland, said:

"The victim and their family have all been extremely courageous."

Speaking after sentencing, Police Staff Investigator Rebecca Stevens, of the Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“I am very pleased that justice has been served for the young victim in this case, and their family.

Rudd is a sexual predator and extremely dangerous man, who has been placed behind bars for a significant period of time, where he belongs.

“He is now locked up and no longer able to harm any other young person, ensuring children and the wider community are safer as a result.

“Rudd stole the innocence of this child, but I would like to place on record my praise and admiration for the child and their family.

“They have shown incredible strength, courage and determination throughout this investigation.

“While I know this outcome won’t rid the victim and their family of the memories of what Rudd did, I truly hope it allows them to move forward, safe in the knowledge that he is safely locked away."

Directly addressing other victims of sex offences, PSI Stevens, said:

“I also hope this sentence will reassure victims and their families that they will be listened to when reporting similar incidents to us.

“We encourage other victims to come forward and speak to us, as we take allegations of this nature extremely seriously and work hard to bring offenders to justice.

“This case should also be a very clear message to other offenders out there that we will always work tirelessly to ensure you are brought to justice and held accountable of for your crimes.”

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A woman who was sexually abused as a child has helped convict a serial sex offender of further offences after seeing news of his other crimes.

Leon Bowes, 35, was already serving life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years behind bars after being convicted on 20 November 2024 of 25 offences against three women.

Yesterday (Thursday 16 July), at Leicester Crown Court, he was found guilty of a further four sex offences against another victim – who was 12 and 13 at the time of the offending.

He has been ordered to serve another four years – taking his minimum term in prison from 17 years to 21 years.

The victim, who is now in her 30s, contacted police on 21 November 2024 after reading the news of Bowes’ conviction on Leicestershire Police’s Facebook page.

She reported knowing Bowes during 2007 and 2008 and during that time they had engaged in sexual activity on multiple occasions.

At the time Bowes was 17 and 18 and was aware the victim was under the age of consent.

Following a thorough investigation of the new offences, Bowes was charged with two counts of rape of a girl under 13, and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He has been found guilty of all four offences.

DC Josh Evans, from the force’s specialist rape and sexual assault team, is the officer in the case.

He said:

“This case highlights the significant impact that media coverage and public appeals can have in encouraging victims and survivors to come forward, even many years after abuse has taken place.

“The victim in this case told me she came forward after seeing our reporting of Bowes’ crimes against the other women.

“She had never disclosed what had happened to her as a child but seeing other women had made reports and recognising her own experiences in the coverage of the case, it gave her the courage to call police.

“By reporting what had happened to her we were able to investigate the further offences and present that evidence before the courts.

“Although Bowes is already in prison, it was vital we did everything we could to ensure this victim got the justice she deserves.

“I want to thank her for having the confidence to tell us about what happened to her nearly 20 years ago. Even though at the time she did not see that Bowes’ actions were wrong, she now realises he took advantage of her as a young vulnerable girl and groomed her for his own sexual gratification.

“I hope this conviction will help encourage any further victims of Bowes to come forward or any victims of sexual assault. No matter how much time has passed, we are here to listen to you and to help and support you.”

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A brave survivor has spoken out to help protect other women after a man was jailed for rape, serious sexual assaults and strangulation in Welwyn Garden City at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday17 July).

The woman was subjected to violent abuse between 2021 and 2022, but with the help of family and friends found the courage to report it to police.

She said:

“While nothing can undo what happened or the lasting impact this has had on my life, I hope this outcome shows other victims that they will be listened to, believed, and supported. I hope sharing my experience encourages anyone living in fear to seek help. I am incredibly grateful to Detective Constable Jon Holmes, whose communication, empathy, and commitment never wavered. He handled every interaction with sensitivity and professionalism and made me feel heard and supported. Although this has been a long and difficult process, I hope this case gives others the confidence to seek help and know that justice is possible. There is hope beyond the fear. Everyone deserves to be safe, to be heard, and to live a life free from abuse. Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone.”

Ben Kasperczak, aged 23, of Hertford Road in Welwyn, was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment for three rapes, four serious sexual assaults and non-fatal strangulation.

Detective Constable Jon Holmes from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Sexual Offences Investigations Team (SOIT), said:

“The victim-survivor has shown incredible strength in reporting these horrific crimes to us and in supporting the investigation and two court trials. I commend her bravery and her family and friends who have supported her.”

Kasperczak was convicted of two rapes and non-fatal strangulation in October 2025, but the jury was hung on the remaining counts during a three-week trial. A second trial lasting seven-weeks took place from April to June this year where he was found guilty on all counts.

“She has made the incredibly brave choice to publicly share her experience in the hope that other survivors of sexual abuse might feel able to speak up and report to police,” DC Holmes added.

“Despite suffering terrible abuse at the hands of Kasperczak, her caring nature has shone through for the duration of the investigation and trials, with some of her first thoughts on conviction being focused on preventing further harm to others.

“Kasperczak never showed any remorse for his offending and following two separate trials in 2025 and 2026 spanning 10 weeks, two juries at St Albans Crown Court took a combined total of less than 15 hours to convict Kasperczak.”

His Honourable Judge Andrew Johnson said:

“You were abusing her and violating her, while her focus was on helping you.

“She is in my judgement an empathetic compassionate lady. The impact of these rapes and other offences has been enormous.”

Having heard the victim’s impact statements, HHJ Johnson added:

“I hope they have made you feel some degree of shame. They should.”

DC Holmes continued:

“I encourage victims to get in touch. We have specially trained officers who will listen, take you seriously, offer support and protection, and ensure your wishes remain central throughout the investigation to hold those who abuse or commit violence against others accountable for their actions.”

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A man who groomed a young girl before raping her in a park has been jailed.

Reggie Cannon was 19 when he began messaging the 14-year-old girl on Instagram, telling her he was aged 16 and still at school.

The messaging continued for several weeks, and Cannon came to meet the girl after she finished school on a number of occasions.

In December 2020, the pair met up in a park in Seaham where Cannon raped and sexually assaulted the girl.

He was arrested and a police investigation launched.

The 24-year-old, of Stanley, was charged with rape, sexual assault, and grooming, which he admitted at a previous court hearing.

He also admitted failing to comply with the sex offender notification requirements, after failing to disclose he had changed addresses.

Cannon appeared at Durham Crown Court today (July 17) where he was jailed for six-and-a-half years.

He was also handed a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, a ten-year restraining order preventing him from contacting the girl, and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Investigative Officer Leanne Hogg, from Durham Constabulary’s Complex Safeguarding Team, led the investigation.

She said:

“I’d like to commend the young girl for the strength she has shown throughout this investigation and subsequent court process.

“By standing up to Cannon and having her voice heard, she has helped to take a dangerous predator off the streets, who poses a clear risk to women and girls.”

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A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following a series of sexual and violent offences in East Lothian and Elgin.

Christopher Malcolm was sentenced to 16 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders register at Edinburgh High Court on Friday, 17 July, 2026.

He was previously convicted of the crimes, including rape and assault to injury and endangerment of life, against four women between 2010 and 2024 on 16 June, 2026, following a trail at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Detective Sergeant Jade Wardell said:

“Malcolm subjected four women to years of horrific abuse, causing lasting trauma and having a profound impact on their lives.

"I would like to acknowledge the support provided by all victims throughout the investigation and court process, which has ultimately led to his conviction.

"Violence and abuse of any kind have no place in society and we remain committed to supporting victims and bringing those responsible to justice.

"I would encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or violence to report it to police. Every report will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated." 

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A child rapist from Worcester has been sentenced to a total of 22 years and three months in prison at Worcester Crown Court today (Friday 17 July).

Philip Lakey, 63, of Ombersley Road, Worcester pleaded not guilty at his original hearing but was found guilty at trial by jury at the same court on Wednesday 15 April of multiple sexual offences against one victim.

He was further ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life, will be subject to a 25 year sexual harm prevention order and received a restraining order to protect the victim.

Today he was sentenced for the following offences which took place between 2019 and 2022:

• Four counts of rape of a child under 13 years
• Two counts of assault a child under 13 by touching
• Four counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child
• Two counts of non-penetrative sexual activity with a child

Detective Constable Philippa Stevens, who investigated the case, said:

“We are pleased to get this long sentence for Lakey whose disgusting actions have had a terrible impact upon his victim.

“We hope this will feel like some sense of some justice for the victim, and I would like to thank them for trusting the judicial process.

“We also hope this court result will encourage other victims of rape or sexual assault or those who know of such crimes to come forward and speak to us so we can attempt to bring their attackers to justice too.

“We will always listen to you and act where appropriate to bring predators like Lakey before the courts with the aim of securing justice and long custodial sentences as in this case.”

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A man has been jailed for various sexual offences following a South Wales Police investigation

David Pincott, 42 from Pentre was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison following his conviction.

The sentencing took place on Thursday July 9 at Cardiff Crown Court when Pincott changed his plea to guilty for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, engaging in sexual communication with a child, attempt to meet a girl following grooming, three counts of making indecent images and possession of prohibited images of a child.

Pincott had been communicating with two girls he believed to be under 16 via Snapchat and included him saying he’d love to see them naked. These accounts were actually undercover police officers from South Wales Police as part of the force's Online Investigations Team. 

Officers then went to the address of Pincott and seized all of his electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops. When these devices were searched multiple indecent images of children were found, it was also found that Pincott had communicated with another girl under the age of 16.

Detective constable Nichola McGill said:

“The perverse images possessed by David Pincott were disgusting, depraved and completely unacceptable.

“For him to take sexual pleasure from these images is reprehensible and proves that he is a danger to children, he will now serve a significant time in prison”

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A man has been jailed for raping a woman after approaching her in Bedford.

Robel Gebremariam spotted the woman walking in Greyfriars in the early hours of 6 July 2024 and approached her.

He walked along next to her and then took her to a shop where he bought her a bottle of alcohol.

He then booked a taxi and took her to the house he was staying in where he supplied her with more alcohol before raping her.

The victim reported what had happened to police shortly afterwards.

An investigation was launched by Bedfordshire Police’s Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team, and Gebremariam was identified through intelligence work and CCTV.

The 25-year-old of Dudley Street, Bedford was found guilty after a four-day trial earlier this year and was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday (14 July) to nine years in prison with a one-year extended licence.

Detective Constable Olivia Phillips from RASSO said:

“The victim showed remarkable bravery in coming forward and speaking to officers and played a vital role in ensuring Gebremariam was caught quickly.

“I am glad he will now serve a custodial sentence, and I hope this sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We are committed to tackling male violence against women and girls and this case demonstrates how seriously such offences are treated. We continue to encourage victims to report to us - you will be listened to, supported, and taken seriously, as protecting women and girls remains a policing priority for us.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both victims of Katende have shared statements:

Victim A:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victim B:

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

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

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