ERNEST FISH OF BATTERSEA AND ISLEWORTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD ABUSE AND SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Battersea and Isleworth, Ernest Fish, aged 44, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of child abuse and sexual offenses. The heinous crimes spanned over a decade, involving vulnerable young victims who were manipulated and exploited through a pattern of predatory behavior.

Fish's criminal activities first came to light when a second victim, now an adult, recognized him in the street and confided in her mother. This revelation prompted a police investigation that uncovered a series of disturbing incidents dating back to the early 1990s. The abuse began in 1991 when Fish, residing in Isleworth at the time, initiated his assault on a seven-year-old boy. According to court reports, Fish would enter the boy’s bath and fondle him, an act described by prosecutor Jane Carpenter as a "pre-cursor to what was to follow," highlighting Fish’s calculated assessment of the child's resistance.

Over the next seven years, Fish continued to sexually assault the young boy, often using gifts such as toys and sweets to buy his silence and compliance. The abuse persisted until the victim finally told Fish to "f*ck off," ending that chapter of his predatory behavior. Despite the cessation of this particular abuse, Fish’s depravity did not stop there. He then turned his attention to a seven-year-old girl, whom he subjected to further sexual misconduct, including showing her pornographic films and engaging in inappropriate physical contact, such as rubbing himself against her. Fish also bathed with her and explicitly asked her for sex, actions that deeply traumatized the young girl.

Compounding the horror, a 10-year-old friend of the girl witnessed Fish’s inappropriate behavior. This girl was also sexually abused when she visited Fish’s flat, further illustrating the extent of his predatory actions. The abuse continued until the girl reached the age of 15, at which point she refused Fish’s demands, and the abuse ceased. The initial boy, whose abuse started in 1991, eventually came forward after the investigation was launched, providing crucial testimony that contributed to Fish’s conviction.

Fish was arrested on October 20 of the previous year at his residence on Trevor Close, Isleworth. Throughout the legal proceedings, he maintained his innocence, denying all allegations both during police interviews and in court. However, the evidence presented was overwhelming. Fish was convicted on multiple counts, including six charges of indecent assault and two counts of buggery against the boy, covering the period from November 30, 1991, to December 21, 1997. Additionally, he was found guilty of five charges of indecent assault against the girl, spanning from 1997 to 2000, as well as offenses involving her friend.

This case underscores the importance of vigilance and the devastating impact of child abuse. The sentencing aims to serve justice for the victims and to protect others from similar harm in the future.