CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATOR JAILED FOR CHILD SEXUAL ASSAULT IN GOSPEL OAK
A childrenâs book illustrator who sexually assaulted a young girl in a play area in Gospel Oak has been sentenced to prison.Henry Christopher Mendes, aged 65 and residing in Park An Pyth, Penzance, admitted to two counts of indecent assault involving two different girls from the 1970s.
It was known to Mendesâs victims' families that both victims were under 10 years old at the time of the incidents.
The first assault occurred in August 1977 when Mendes visited the victimâs parents in north London.
He convinced the girl to walk with him to a local off-licence by offering her ice cream.
During this walk in the dark, Mendes forced her to perform a sex act inside the Lismore Circus childrenâs play area.
Later, after returning home, they were met by the girlâs worried mother, as she had been gone for some time.
The girl did not disclose what happened until many years later.
The second offence took place between 1976 and 1978.
During this incident, the victim was in bed when Mendes appeared beside her, breathing heavily and saying âyouâre so beautiful.â She recognized his voice, and he tried to sexually assault her but was interrupted by another man outside her bedroom.
In 2013, the victims reported the crimes to police.
Mendes was arrested, and it was discovered that his computer contained nearly 400 indecent images of children.
Mendes pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault, seven counts of making indecent photographs of a child, and one count of possessing extreme pornographic images.
He was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Blackfriars Crown Court.
One victim expressed appreciation for the police, stating, âOne of the things I would like to add is how well treated I have been by the Met Police.
It has taken a long time to feel brave enough to come forward.
Reporting this was a cathartic process that helped me heal.
I would recommend anyone who has experienced abuse to report it.â Officers involved praised the victims' bravery and urged others to come forward, emphasizing the police's commitment to justice regardless of when offenses occurred.
