Children's care worker jailed for raping girl at home where he was employed

Abdalraham Katende attacked two girls, aged 15 and 14, who were living at the home where he worked

Ferme Park Road and (inset) Abdalraham Katende

A child sex offender who targeted victims in the children’s care home where he worked has been jailed.

Abdalraham Katende, aged 30 and of Ferme Park Road in Crouch End, was last week sentenced to eleven years’ imprisonment following his conviction at Snaresbrook Crown Court for rape of a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and failing to provide access to devices.

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.

Despite being legally required to comply, Katende repeatedly refused to unlock the phone, and 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 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 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.

The children’s care home where Katende worked has not been named, in order to protect the identity of his victims.

Reports to officers shared how Katende had raped a 15-year-old girl who was living in the home. 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, with the first saying: “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.”

The second victim said: “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.”

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