Victim of ‘sex predator’ as a teen reveals feelings about winning her fight for justice

The survivor of historic sex abuse from when she was a teenager has spoken of her ‘elation’ and ‘mental turmoil’ after seeing her tormentor finally brought to justice – nearly 30 years on from the time he first targeted her.

Colin Moore, 58, of Grove Lane, Southwark, was handed a 15-year sentence on Friday at Isleworth Crown Court having been convicted of nine counts. The offences were four of rape and five of indecent assault against the same girl, now aged 41, between 1995 and 1999.

The court heard how Moore took advantage of the girl, who was under the age of 16 at the time the offending started. Moore’s abuse took place over the next four years at locations in west and central London, including at the girl’s mother’s flat and at Victoria railway station.

The girl, by now an adult, came forward and reported the abuse to police in 2020.

Cops gathered voice recorded interviews with the victim-survivor, to unearth what had happened and build a case against Moore. With the co-operation of witnesses who gave vital statements, Moore was arrested and subsequently charged with numerous offences.

He was found guilty on Friday, May 24 following a trial.

The woman at the centre of the abuse said: “I’m elated to say that justice has been served. I overcame mental turmoil to fight for what is right.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who has supported this process and the network that has fed me motivation and courage throughout.

“After years of trying to forget the innocence that had been taken from my childhood, I wasn’t satisfied my abuser lived without consequence while I suffered the aftermath of his actions.

“I hope my story can inspire others to stand up against their abusers no matter the obstacles.

“Every woman deserves a voice – to speak up without fear and stand up against abuse”.

Detective Constable Laura Harcombe, who led the investigation, said: “Colin Moore is a sexual predator who manipulated and abused a vulnerable young girl he knew, as well as lying to the police.

“We were able to build a comprehensive investigation – from so many years ago – to bring justice to an innocent young woman.

“This woman has shown incredible courage to report the abuse she suffered over a prolonged period of time to police and we thank her for coming forward – as well as the witnesses for the time they gave us to provide key evidence.

“We hope this sentence brings a semblance of peace to the woman at the centre of the case and allows a level of freedom to move forward with her life now she knows her abuser is behind bars.”

Pictured top: Custody image of Colin Moore (Picture: The Met)