A man from Mitcham has been jailed for 26 years for historical sexual abuse offences against two young children.
Anthony King was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday for historical sexual abuse offences against two children between 2003 and 2007.
Both female victim survivors, who endured years of abuse by 54-year-old King, were aged between 13 and 17 when the offences took place.
On July 6, 2021, prior to his trial, King pleaded guilty to the following offences against the first victim, but pleaded not guilty to offences relating to the second victim:
Multiple counts of assault by penetration;
Multiple counts of sexual assault;
Three counts of rape;
One count of sexual activity with a child.
On the first day of trial on Monday, March 14, relating to the offences against the second victim, King pleaded guilty to the following offences:
One count of indecency with a child;
Once count of rape.
The Met’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit launched an investigation against King in 2019 following a call to police from one of the victims.
The officer in the case met with victim and, after building a strong rapport with her, gaining her confidence and trust, took a detailed video interview to achieve best evidence.
King, of Bennetts Close in Mitcham, 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.
Detectives carried out numerous enquiries, including taking witness interviews, statements and phone downloads and on December 29, 2020 King was charged with 15 offences and bailed to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court in January 2021.
The two victim survivors, who are now 31 and 33, were supported by the officer throughout the three-year investigation.
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.”
DC Way continued: “It has been extremely difficult and emotional for the victims in this case to report the abuse they suffered as children.
“Whilst 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.”
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