Abdalraham Katende – London

A child sex offender who targeted victims in the children’s care home where he worked has been jailed.

Abdalraham Katende, aged 30 and of Ferme Park Road in Crouch End, was last week sentenced to eleven years’ imprisonment following his conviction at Snaresbrook Crown Court for rape of a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and failing to provide access to devices.

During the investigation, detectives identified a mobile phone they believed contained evidence relevant to the case.

When Katende refused to voluntarily provide access, officers moved quickly to secure a court-endorsed order under Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), requiring him to provide access to the device.

Despite being legally required to comply, Katende repeatedly refused to unlock the phone, and his refusal resulted in a separate criminal charge and conviction, which helped demonstrate to the court his attempts to frustrate the investigation and conceal evidence from detectives.

The children’s care home where Katende worked has not been named, in order to protect the identity of his victims.

Reports to officers shared how Katende had raped a 15-year-old girl who was living in the home. In October 2023, Katende approached the victim while she was preparing food in the kitchen before sexually assaulting and then raping her.

The victim screamed and managed to break free.

He was also convicted of causing a child to watch a sexual act after showing a 14-year-old resident an explicit video on his mobile phone depicting him having sex with a woman in October 2023.

In both cases, Katende exploited his position of trust and access to vulnerable children in his care.