SOLOMON AKINGBADE SENTENCED IN WEMBLEY AND BARNET FOR SEX OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN

In a case that has shocked the local communities of Barnet and Wembley, Solomon Akingbade, a senior lecturer at Barnet College, was handed a significant prison sentence after being convicted of heinous crimes committed decades ago. The 57-year-old, who previously taught business studies and law at the college’s Grahame Park campus, was found guilty of attempting to rape a nine-year-old girl over 30 years ago, along with five counts of indecent assault involving two young girls aged 12 and nine.

These offences spanned from 1967 to 1973, a period during which Akingbade’s actions left lasting scars on his victims. One of the victims, now a 41-year-old woman residing in Hampstead, chose to remain anonymous for legal reasons. She publicly criticized the sentencing, expressing her disappointment with the leniency shown by Judge Roger Sanders. She stated, “The judge was lenient towards Akingbade from the start and he came across as though he felt sorry for him. I have been hurting inside for 30 years and I don’t think the judge took that into account.”

She further explained her motivation for coming forward, saying, “I came forward because I wanted to let people know what happened because he worked with children, and people have a right to know what he did to me. I’ve been on sick leave at the moment as it has all got too much for me but at least he has been found guilty.”

Solomon Akingbade, a father of six, resides on Buddings Circle in Wembley. His professional background includes serving as an outer London delegate for the college teaching union NATFHE. Despite being suspended on full pay several months ago by Barnet College, a spokesperson confirmed that he has since been dismissed from his position.

During the sentencing hearing at Harrow Crown Court last Friday, Judge Sanders emphasized the severity of the crimes, stating, “I cannot overlook the gravity of these offences and only a custodial sentence is appropriate.”

Consequently, Akingbade was sentenced to 18 months in prison for each of the indecent assault charges, and an additional three years for attempted rape. All sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve the longest period of three years in total. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system views crimes of this nature, especially those committed against vulnerable children many years ago.