Man jailed for 26 years after historic child sex abuse

A man has been jailed for 26 years for historic sexual abuse offences against two children.

Anthony King, 54, of Bennetts Close, Mitcham, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court for sexual abuse offences against two children between 2003 and 2007.

Both female victim survivors were aged between 13 and 17 when the offences took place and endured years of abuse at the hands of King.

Detective Constable Alison Way, the investigating officer, said: “This is a fantastic result and I am grateful all the hard work in supporting the victims has been rightly recognised by the criminal justice system.

“The bravery of the victims in speaking out against their abuser is highly commendable.”

Prior to his trial, King pleaded guilty to multiple counts of assault by penetration, multiple counts of sexual assault, three counts of rape and one count of sexual activity with a child against the first victim.

On the first day of his trial, King then pleaded guilty to one count of indecency with a child and one count of rape against the second victim.

The Met’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit launched an investigation against King in 2019 following a call to police from one of the victims.

King was arrested at his home address on March 4, 2019.

On June 24, 2019 the second victim made a call to police and King was further arrested and in total charged with 15 offences.

The two victim survivors, who are now 31 and 33, were supported by the officer throughout the three-year investigation.

DC Way added: “It has been extremely difficult and emotional for the victims in this case to report the abuse they suffered as children.

“While the punishment delivered does not remove the trauma, I know there is now relief that justice has been served and a feeling of accomplishment.

“I hope those involved in this case can now start to move forward and the weight of this, carried for many years, has been lifted. My very best wishes to them all.

“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.”

Pictured top: Anthony King, 54, has been jailed for 26 years for historic sexual abuse offences against two young children (Picture: Metropolitan Police)