HUSEYIN BERK FROM HACKNEY FOUND GUILTY OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF YOUNG GIRLS IN EAST LONDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the Hackney community, Huseyin Berk, a resident of Amhurst Park in Hackney, was convicted on Wednesday, June 29, of sexually abusing two young girls. The crimes took place in a disused garage, where Berk lured the victims under the pretense of petting his dog, a tactic he used to gain their trust.

According to court proceedings, Berk, aged 45 and also known by the alias Alex, was found guilty by a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court of two counts of sexual assault by penetration involving girls under the age of 13. The court has scheduled his sentencing for a later date, expected to be in September, where additional details about his punishment will be announced.

The investigation into Berk’s actions was initiated after a family member of one of the victims reported the abuse in November 2018. The family member disclosed that Berk, who was a familiar figure in the neighborhood, had taken the girls into a disused garage on multiple occasions between April and October of that year. The victims recounted that Berk approached them while walking his dog, a common sight in the area, and used this opportunity to manipulate and exploit their innocence.

During the investigation, police learned that Berk had built a relationship of trust with the girls over time. The children had often seen him walking his dog around the neighborhood while they played outside, and he had encouraged them to pet his dog, which helped him gain their confidence. This trust was then exploited for his own sexual gratification, a fact that the court found deeply troubling.

Detectives specializing in crimes against children led the complex investigation, which culminated in Berk’s arrest in November 2018. He was formally charged in August 2021, after a thorough investigation that involved gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The case highlights the importance of vigilance and the need for communities to remain alert to protect vulnerable children from predators like Berk, whose actions have caused significant harm to the young victims and their families.