SIMON OWOADE FROM HAYES SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN LONDON AND POTTERS BAR

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Simon Owoade, a 50-year-old man residing on St Anselms Road in Hayes, has been convicted and sentenced for a series of heinous crimes involving a young girl. The offences, which include rape and sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, were committed after Owoade established an online connection with the victim, a 12-year-old girl, through social media messaging platforms.

Owoade’s criminal activities spanned from June to late July 2017, during which he engaged in persistent communication with the young girl. Through numerous messages, he managed to persuade her to meet him in person on several occasions in London and Potters Bar. These meetings took place at various locations, including secluded car parks and hotels, where he committed acts of sexual assault against her. The court heard that Owoade not only assaulted the girl but also shared explicit pornographic material with her, encouraging her to send naked photographs of herself, further exploiting her vulnerability.

Following a period of silence from the victim in July 2017, Owoade reinitiated contact in April 2018, texting her to express that he missed her. This led to multiple meetings until May 18, 2018, when the girl’s parents reported the matter to the police, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to Owoade’s arrest and prosecution.

On Thursday, January 17, at Harrow Crown Court, Owoade pleaded guilty to several serious charges, including the rape of a child under 13, assault by penetration, sexual assault of a child under 13, and three counts of making indecent photographs of a child. The court sentenced him to nine years and ten months in prison. Additionally, Owoade has been placed on the sex offenders register for life, reflecting the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.

It was also noted that he admitted to two other counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, which were left on file. The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding children from online predators and highlights the dangers associated with social media platforms when exploited by individuals with malicious intent.