Abdalraham Katende, a 30-year-old support worker at an east London children's care home, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a 15-year-old girl and exposing a 14-year-old resident to explicit sexual material. Katende, of Ferme Park Road, Haringey, committed the offences in October 2023.
Attack in the care home kitchen
Katende approached a 15-year-old girl while she was preparing food in the care home's kitchen. He sexually assaulted her and then raped her before she screamed and managed to break free. During the same month, he showed a 14-year-old resident an explicit video on his mobile phone depicting himself having sex with a woman.
Obstruction of justice
When the victims' disclosures triggered a police investigation, Katende attempted to conceal his crimes by repeatedly refusing to provide the PIN for a mobile phone that detectives believed held crucial evidence. Officers undertook extensive forensic and legal work, securing authorisations from specialist digital teams, a superintendent, and eventually a Crown Court judge to serve a court-endorsed order under Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). Despite being legally compelled to comply, Katende persistently refused access. His obstruction led to an additional criminal charge, which prosecutors used in court to demonstrate his deliberate efforts to frustrate the investigation and avoid accountability.
Conviction and sentence
On Monday, 11 May, Katende was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court of rape of a child, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to watch a sexual act, and failing to provide access to devices. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, 8 July.
Victim impact statements
Following the sentencing, both victims shared powerful statements detailing the profound impact of Katende's betrayals and urging other victims to break their silence. Victim A, the 15-year-old girl, said: "A good reputation or a normal way of acting does not mean someone cannot be dangerous," she warned, adding, "The person who hurt me was meant to protect me, and he fooled everyone." She noted that abuse thrives on fear and stigma, and she urged others to come forward: "No matter how much time has passed, your voice matters, you have done nothing wrong, and you deserve to be heard, believed, supported, and protected." She also expressed deep gratitude to her mother for being her strength, and to the people who helped her find her courage again.
Victim B, the 14-year-old resident, reflected on the lasting trauma of the abuse. "I looked up to him as a carer and trusted him... It will not be something I will ever fully move on from," they stated. Victim B encouraged others in the care system to speak out, noting that while the system has flaws, "it does good things too" and "It's harder to stay silent." Victim B also thanked Detective Constable Nick Baker, the judge, and the council for their support in calming their nerves before giving evidence.
Police response
DC Nick Baker of the Central North Child Abuse Investigation Team said: "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. When the offender refused to cooperate, detectives undertook significant legal and forensic work to secure a court-approved order requiring him to provide access to his phone. The team acted quickly to secure the necessary authorisations. When Mr Katende continued to refuse access, we obtained a further charge. His refusal became an important part of the prosecution case, helping demonstrate his efforts to obstruct the investigation and avoid accountability."
