A man has been jailed for non-recent child sex abuse as the Met improves how it approaches exploitation cases and support of victims.

Sajidur Rashid Tipu, 51 of Canton Street, Poplar was sentenced on Friday, 28 June at Snaresbrook Crown Court to 12 years and six months’ in prison, given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and 15-year restraining order against the two victims.

He was found guilty on 15 counts of historic child sexual abuse against two girls who were known to him.

The conviction comes as the Met continues its pledge to protect vulnerable women and children from harmful predators, and it continues to encourage victims to report sexual abuse, whether recent or not.

Met officers began investigating Tipu in February 2019 after one of his victims reported the crimes at Bethnal Green Police Station, telling officers how throughout her childhood she had been touched and molested by Tipu, and she wanted justice. The other victim also came forward.

Tipu was arrested upon arrival at Heathrow Airport on 24 February 2021, returning to London from Bangladesh.

Throughout the course of the investigation and court process, a dedicated specialist officer acted as a point of contact and a reassuring and caring figure for the victims to talk to, and signposting to support from expert charities such as Nia, an east London rape crisis charity.

Met officers worked closely with the victims throughout the investigation, meticulously recording and detailing over fifteen years of sexual abuse in a compassionate manner in order to build a strong and thorough case against the perpetrator.

Detective Constable Paul Clare, who led this case and specialises in child exploitation, said: “I want to acknowledge the bravery of these two young women who came forward, their courage has been compelling throughout this process.

“This offending spanned over formative years of these girls‘ lives and caused them intense psychological harm. I’m glad Tipu has now seen justice.

“I hope this is a sign for any other victims out there who have experienced exploitation in their youth that they can and should come forward, we will do everything we can for you and you will be listened to and supported.”

The Met is committed to protecting the most vulnerable people in society, you can read more about how it’s better to protect victims, and go after perpetrators here:

A New Met for London | Metropolitan Police

People who sexually abuse children rely on secrecy to make sure their abuse is not discovered and reported. There can be physical or behavioural signs that a child is being abused – children often how us rather than tell us something wrong:

• Child suddenly having nightmares or other sleeping problems.
• Becoming withdrawn or very clingy.
• The child acting in a sexual way with toys or objects.
• Personality changes such as outbursts of anger or changes in eating habits.
• Having unexplained gifts such as money, a mobile phone and/or expensive clothes.

To report rape or sexual abuse, find out more: https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/how-to-report-rape-and-sexual-assault/

Notes to editors:

Sajidur Rashid Tipu was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 28 June and received the following:

• 12 years 6 month imprisonment
• 15 year Sexual Harm Risk Order
• 15 year restraining order.

On Friday 26, February 2021 Mr TIPU was charged at Bethnal Green Police Station. He was charged with the following fifteen (15) offences;

Count 1 – Indecent assault, contrary to section 14(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956

Count 2 – Indecent assault, contrary to section 14(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956

Count 4 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 5 – Sexual assault of a child under 13, contrary to section 7(1) Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 6 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 7 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 8 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 9 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 10 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 11 – Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, contrary to section 4(1) Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 12 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 13 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 14 – Sexual assault, contrary to section 3 Sexual Offences Act 2003

Count 15 – Indecent assault, contrary to section 14(1) Sexual Offences Act 1956