Met investigation leads to 14-year prison sentence for sexual predator   

A prolific child abuser has been jailed, demonstrating the Metropolitan Police’s commitment to investigating child abuse and protecting the public from harm.

Muhammad Talukdar, 51 (07.07.72) of Ballance Street, Bath, was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 31 May.

Talukdar began sexually abusing the victim in 1998 when she was just eight years old in Tower Hamlets, east London.

Specialist officers began investigating in 2020. Despite having no DNA evidence or recent witness accounts to help strengthen the investigation, officers remained determined to build a case against Talukdar. They carried out extensive interviews with friends and family of the victim as part of their enquiries and gathered detailed medical records to show the extent of abuse. The victim also gave permission for notes from her counselling sessions to be shared.

Talukdar was previously found guilty of three counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault at Snaresbrook Crown Court in March 2024.

Detective Constable Paul Hawthorn, who led the investigation, said “I’d like to commend the bravery of the victim for her strength throughout this investigation. I hope this case serves as inspiration to others who may understandably fear speaking out against this kind of abhorrent abuse.

“Officers showed true determination in securing justice on behalf of the victim and I’d like to thank them for their dedication - they are a credit to the Met.

“We will continue to build cases against dangerous predators like Talukdar as part of our commitment to protecting women and girls and eradicating sexual violence.

“We would urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse – no matter how long ago – to please come forward to police and get the support you so rightly deserve”.

Support and assistance can be obtained from a number of agencies and charities:

• National Association for People Abused in Childhood NAPAC helpline: 0808 801 0331
• Rape Crisis 08085002222
• Childline 0800 1111
• National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 9999
• Survivors UK 0203 598 3898 info@survivorsuk.org.
• Samaritans 116 123 jo@samaritans.org

Crimes of this nature can be reported online or on the telephone or in person to the police by calling 101 however 999 in an emergency.