Croydon Man Jailed for 28 Years After Historic Child Sexual Abuse Case Uncovered by Met Police Investigation
A 61-year-old Croydon man, Anthony Adewale Sobogun, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison after a Metropolitan Police investigation uncovered a sustained pattern of child sexual abuse against two children spanning more than 15 years.
Sobogun was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Wednesday after being found guilty of 17 sexual offences involving child sexual abuse against two affected persons, according to court findings. The offences were committed between the 1990s and early 2000s.
From a child protection and safeguarding perspective, the case underscores how prolonged abuse can remain hidden within trusted relationships and community settings when disclosure is prevented by fear, manipulation, or stigma.
One of the affected persons told investigators that Sobogun accompanied her to an abortion clinic after she became pregnant with his child. Police later recovered medical records and counselling notes that supported key aspects of the abuse allegations, strengthening the case.
Detectives said the breakthrough came after the affected persons courageously came forward, allowing officers to build a detailed evidential record through video recorded interviews conducted in specialist suites designed to support vulnerable witnesses.
Detective Constable Charlotte Lockyer, who led the investigation, praised the affected persons for their bravery, saying their testimony was central to securing the conviction and preventing further harm.
Child safeguarding experts say the case highlights the importance of trauma-informed policing, survivor support frameworks, and multi-agency cooperation in handling historic child sexual abuse allegations. They also warn that offenders may present a respectable public image while concealing serious harm in private settings.
Following the verdict, the affected persons issued a statement urging others impacted by abuse to speak out, stressing that it is never too late to come forward and that support systems are available to ensure they are heard and protected.
Authorities say the sentence reinforces that historic child sexual abuse cases will continue to be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, regardless of how much time has passed.
