A man who worked as a support worker in a children’s care home in Haringey has been jailed after being convicted of a series of sexual offences against two teenage residents.
Sentence and offences
Abdalraham Katende, 30, of Ferme Park Road, was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 8 July, following a conviction earlier this year. The charges related to the rape of a 15‑year‑old girl, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and failing to provide access to electronic devices.
How the crimes came to light
The offences were exposed after two victims disclosed abusive behaviour carried out while Katende was employed as a support worker at the care home. In one incident prosecutors say he raped a 15‑year‑old resident. In another, a 14‑year‑old was shown an explicit video of him having sex with a woman.
"I want to thank the victims who bravely came forward. Their courage in speaking out helped officers quickly identify and arrest a dangerous offender who abused a position of trust."
The quote above is from Detective Constable Nick Baker of the Central North Child Abuse Investigation Team, who outlined the investigative work which followed the disclosures. Police said detectives had to obtain a court order to gain access to the defendant’s phone after he refused to cooperate.
Victim statements and support
Victim impact statements were read at the sentencing. One of those identified in court as Victim A urged others to report abuse, saying it is never too late to come forward and that survivors deserve to be believed and supported. Victim B, who was 14 at the time of the incident, described trusting the worker as her carer.
- Sentence: 11 years’ imprisonment.
- Defendant: Abdalraham Katende, 30, Ferme Park Road, Haringey.
- Offences: rape of a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, failing to provide access to devices.
Local implications
This case underlines the vulnerability of young people in residential care and the duty of local authorities and care providers to ensure safeguarding measures are robust. The Met Police investigation involved specialist detectives from a child abuse unit; the force said the victims’ decisions to speak out were pivotal to securing justice.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Court | Snaresbrook Crown Court |
| Date sentenced | 8 July |
| Victim ages | 14 and 15 (at time of incidents) |
Anyone with concerns about the safety of children in care environments should contact Haringey Council’s safeguarding team or the police. Independent charities such as the NSPCC also provide advice and support for survivors and those reporting abuse.
