‘Selfish’ pensioner, 72, fled the country after admitting to abusing 2 young girls over 14 years

A pensioner has been jailed for more than 15 years for historic sexual abuse against two young children.

Bhaye Khodabukus, 72, from Haringey, was sentenced for 15 years and six months’ imprisonment for crimes against two children between 1999 and 2013.

Both female victim survivors were aged between six and 10 years old when the offences happened.

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On the first day of his trial at Wood Green Crown Court in May, Khodabukus pleaded guilty to a number of offences including the rape of a child under 13, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual touching of a child and gross indecency with a child.

The Met’s North Area Child Abuse Investigation Unit launched an investigation against Khodabukus in September 2019 following a phone call from one of the victim’s partners.

Wood Green Crown Court

Khodabukus was arrested on October 13, 2019 after initially fleeing the country to Mauritius following admissions of abuse to his family.

Police carried out a large number of enquiries, including witness interviews and phone analysis and was able to disprove defences raised initially by the defendant.

He answered no comment to all the questions in his police interview and did not offer a prepared statement.

He was charged on April 4, 2020 and indicted at court on 21 counts of sexual offences against two children.

He sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Monday, December 20 to 15 years and six months’ imprisonment for historic sexual abuse.

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While passing sentence, Her Honour Judge Joanna Greenberg QC remarked that Khodabukus has shown no insight or remorse into the gravity of the offences he committed or the impact it has had on the victim survivors.

She added that he has shown an apparent need to gain sexual gratification from children.

The Judge added that he had only shown a selfish concern for himself and had caused lasting damage, which is why a lengthy sentence was required.

Speaking after the sentencing, one victim said: “I’m pleased to have this justice served. Though it doesn’t lift the emotional scarring of the past, it has definitely lifted a dark cloud.

“I’m happy that I can go into the new year not having to constantly think of what may happen.

“I’m glad the judge gave the time that she did and considered the emotional and psychological impact it has had on me and my family.”

It is common for victims of sexual abuse to keep their ordeal secret. There are a lot of places you can turn to, including:

Rape Crisis: Support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.

Helpline: 0808 802 9999

rapecrisis.org.uk

Survivors UK: Support for male rape and sexual abuse victims

Online chatting service, or you can text 020 3322 1860 or chat via whatsapp on 074 9181 6064.

NSPCC: Specialist charity dealing in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children

Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (24 hours, every day).

nspcc.org.uk

Detective sergeant Virginia Condren, the investigating officer from the North Area’s Public Protection Team, said: “It has been extremely difficult and emotional for the victims in this case to report the abuse they suffered as children.

“They have endured agonising court delays during the pandemic to get to final sentencing but have remained so resilient throughout. Their bravery in speaking out against their abuser is nothing short of commendable.

“Whilst the punishment delivered does not remove the trauma, I do know there is now relief that justice has been served and a feeling of accomplishment. I do hope that those involved in this case can now start to move forward and that the weight of this, carried for many years, has now been lifted. My very best wishes to them all.”

Detective superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, from the North Area’s Public Protection Team, said: “I hope this serves as a reminder that the Met treats these cases incredibly seriously, that victims will always be fully supported throughout by specially trained officers and that no matter how historic the case is, abusers will be held to account for their abhorrent actions.

“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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https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/selfish-pensioner-72-fled-country-22552065

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