WINSTON BRITTON CHINGFORD CHILD RAPE SCANDAL SHOCKS EAST LONDON NEIGHBORHOODS

In a harrowing case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Chingford, Winston Britton, a 51-year-old man from Chingford Mount Road, was sentenced to a lengthy prison term after being convicted of heinous crimes involving child sexual abuse. The sentencing took place at Snaresbrook Crown Court on a recent Friday, following a trial that revealed the extent of Britton's disturbing actions spanning a decade from 1988 to 1998.

Britton was found guilty of 18 counts of child rape and child sex abuse, crimes that have left deep scars on his victims. Judge Timothy Lamb QC, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of Britton’s offenses, describing him as “depraved and abhorrent.” The judge also noted that Britton, who works as a heating engineer, is expected to serve at least two-thirds of his 22-year sentence before being eligible for parole.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Britton’s partner was a foster carer for Hackney Council, which added a layer of complexity and concern regarding the safeguarding of vulnerable children. The court heard that Britton had sexually abused three young girls over the years. One girl was subjected to repeated abuse starting from the age of six, with Britton raping her five times when she was between 11 and 16 years old. Two other girls, aged just six and nine, were also raped in the same house on a single day in 1989.

Prosecutor Tetteh Turkson detailed the disturbing incidents, stating, “[Girl A] was taken into a bedroom and she was raped, and [Girl B], called into the room along with her, was also raped. A complaint was made at the time, but the matter was not pursued further.” Despite the gravity of these allegations, it was not clarified why Britton was not arrested until 2010, more than two decades after the initial offenses.

Judge Lamb condemned Britton’s actions, asserting, “Your behavior was depraved and abhorrent. The effect of your crimes on your victims has been long-lasting, and even now, there is no sign of remorse for the suffering you caused. You presented yourself as a moral figure, but the jury saw through your facade. They recognized you for what you truly are—a callous predator.”

Britton’s criminal record also includes his ownership of W.B. Heating, a company he registered and used to promote his role as a foster carer. The company’s website boasted of his foster care status and claimed he was frequently employed by the Metropolitan Police to perform maintenance work in “secure areas,” raising questions about his access and trustworthiness.

In response to the allegations, Hackney Council issued a statement affirming their swift action: “As soon as Hackney Council became aware of allegations made against this man, appropriate measures were taken in line with child protection procedures to ensure that no child in Hackney’s care was harmed.”

Britton was acquitted on two counts of raping a fourth girl under the age of 16 and was also cleared of a 1989 rape charge. His defense attorney, Isobel Gillard, highlighted that Britton has not committed any crimes since 1998 and possesses good character references from both the UK and the West Indies, where he resided until his late twenties. Despite these claims, the court’s verdict underscores the gravity of his past offenses and the lasting impact on his victims.