“This offending spanned over formative years of these girls' lives"
Sajidur Rashid Tipu, aged 51, of Poplar, London, was jailed for 12 years and six months for sexually abusing two girls.
He was found guilty on 15 counts of historic child sexual abuse against the two victims who were known to him.
The conviction comes as the Met Police continues its pledge to protect vulnerable women and children from harmful predators, and it continues to encourage victims to report sexual abuse, whether recent or not.
Police began investigating Tipu in February 2019 after one of the girls reported the sexual abuse at Bethnal Green Police Station.
The victim told officers how throughout her childhood she had been touched and molested by Tipu and she wanted justice. The other victim also came forward.
On February 24, 2021, Tipu returned to London from Bangladesh.
He was arrested upon his arrival at Heathrow Airport.
Throughout the course of the investigation and court process, a dedicated specialist officer acted as a point of contact and a reassuring and caring figure for the victims to talk to, and signposting to support from expert charities such as Nia, an east London rape crisis charity.
Met officers worked closely with the victims throughout the investigation, meticulously recording and detailing over 15 years of sexual abuse in a compassionate manner in order to build a strong and thorough case against the perpetrator.
At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Tipu was jailed for 12 years and six months.
He was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a 15-year restraining order against the two victims.
Detective Constable Paul Clare, who led this case and specialises in child exploitation, said:
“I want to acknowledge the bravery of these two young women who came forward, their courage has been compelling throughout this process.
“This offending spanned over formative years of these girls’ lives and caused them intense psychological harm.
“I’m glad Tipu has now seen justice.
“I hope this is a sign for any other victims out there who have experienced exploitation in their youth that they can and should come forward, we will do everything we can for you and you will be listened to and supported.”
As the Met improves on how it approaches exploitation cases and support of victims, it has provided the following guidance:
People who sexually abuse children rely on secrecy to make sure their abuse is not discovered and reported.
There can be physical or behavioural signs that a child is being abused – children often show us rather than tell us something wrong:
- Child suddenly having nightmares or other sleeping problems.
- Becoming withdrawn or very clingy.
- The child acting in a sexual way with toys or objects.
- Personality changes such as outbursts of anger or changes in eating habits.
- Having unexplained gifts such as money, a mobile phone and/or expensive clothes.
Loading ...