A 50-year-old Nigerian man who admitted to raping a 12-year-old girl he met online has been sentenced in the UK.
Simon Owoade was sentenced to 9 years and 10 months in prison on Thursday at Harrow Crown Court after pleading guilty.
In June and July 2017, Owoade made contact with the victim via a social media messaging site. He befriended her and eventually persuaded her to meet him in London and Potters Bar on a number of occasions. He took her to car parks and hotels, where he sexually assaulted her.
In July 2017, the victim stopped communicating with Owoade, but in April last year he texted her, asking to meet up because he missed her.
They met up numerous times until May 18, when the matter was reported to police by the victim’s parents, Hillingdon Times reports.
Owoade, who was charged with assault of a child under 13 years by penetration; sexual assault of a child under 13 years and three counts of making indecent photographs of a child, has also been placed on the sexual offenders register for life.
Det. Chief Insp. Neil John said:
“This was predatory offending, committed against a young, vulnerable victim. I would like to praise the victim for her courage in speaking to officers and providing vital evidence to prosecute Owoade.
We are aware Owoade had links with some charities as a volunteer.
It is very possible he has committed offences against others and I would appeal to anyone with information or concerns to contact police (020 7161 9798) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.