Child abuser jailed for 15 years

A pensioner from Alexandra Park has been jailed for more than 15 years for sexually abusing two children aged between six and ten.

Bhaye Khodabukus, aged 72, of Dagmar Road, had admitted several charges of abuse against children between 1999 and 2013, including rape of a child under 13, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual touching of a child, and gross indecency with a child.

Khodabukus was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on 20th December to 15 years and six months’ imprisonment for the “abhorrent” crimes, having previously pleaded guilty at a trial in May.

The Metropolitan Police’s child abuse investigation unit had launched an investigation against Khodabukus in September 2019 following a phone call from one of the victim’s partners.

The officer in the case got in touch with the two victim survivors and, after gaining their trust, took detailed video interviews. Khodabukus was arrested in October 2019 after initially fleeing the country to Mauritius, following admissions of abuse to his family.

The dedicated officer carried out a large number of enquiries, including witness interviews and phone analysis, and was able to disprove defences raised initially by the defendant. He answered ‘no comment’ to all the questions in his police interview and did not offer a prepared statement.

Khodabukus was charged in April 2020 and indicted at court on 21 counts of sexual offences against the two children. While passing sentence, judge Joanna Greenberg QC remarked that Khodabukus had shown no insight or remorse into the gravity of the offences he committed or the impact it has had on the victim survivors. She added that he had shown an apparent need to gain sexual gratification from children.

Speaking after the sentencing, one victim said: “I’m pleased to have this justice served. Though it doesn’t lift the emotional scarring of the past, it has definitely lifted a dark cloud. I’m happy that I can go into the new year not having to constantly think of what may happen. I’m glad the judge gave the time that she did and considered the emotional and psychological impact it has had on me and my family.”

Detective Sergeant Virginia Condren, the investigating officer, said: “It has been extremely difficult and emotional for the victims in this case to report the abuse they suffered as children.

“They have endured agonising court delays during the pandemic to get to final sentencing but have remained so resilient throughout. Their bravery in speaking out against their abuser is nothing short of commendable.

“While the punishment delivered does not remove the trauma, I do know there is now relief that justice has been served and a feeling of accomplishment. I do hope that those involved in this case can now start to move forward and that the weight of this, carried for many years, has now been lifted. My very best wishes to them all.”

Detective Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh added: “I hope this serves as a reminder that the Met treats these cases incredibly seriously, that victims will always be fully supported throughout by specially trained officers and that no matter how historic the case is, abusers will be held to account for their abhorrent actions.

“I know it can be an incredibly difficult thing to do, but I would urge anyone who has been sexually assaulted, either historically or recently, to contact us. You do not need to go through this alone, we are here to help you. We will never judge you and we will support you throughout. If you would rather not speak to police, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”