A man who approached a young girl in Hackney and later groomed and sexually abused her has been jailed for 18 years following a diligent investigation by local officers.
Detectives from Central East Command, which covers Hackney and Tower Hamlets, began their investigation after the young victim survivor disclosed the abuse to a teacher.
Dwayne Aitken, 43 (27.4.80) of Brooke Road, Stoke Newington, was sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday, 12 September. He was found guilty of numerous sexual offences including three counts of rape on Thursday, 17 August.
He was also issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Rob Johnston, who led the investigation, said: “Aitken carried out horrific sexual abuse on a young girl and the evidence we gathered during this investigation left the jury with no doubt as to his guilt.
“The young victim survivor has shown incredible strength and courage.
“She has been provided with specialist support throughout this difficult period and I hope this serves as a strong reminder of our clear determination to bringing sex offenders to justice.
“At the Met we are transforming how we safeguard vulnerable people and combat violence committed by predatory men against women and children .”
The court heard how Aitken specifically targeted the 13-year-old girl after approaching her on 24 February 2019 while she was walking along Brooke Road, Stoke Newington. He gave his name as ‘Sean’ and told her to wait for him in Stoke Newington Common. She was scared and did not know what to do so she phoned her friends. He then invited her back to his flat and she agreed.
The victim asked if she could have friends round and he agreed. Whilst at the flat they challenged Aitken and told him the victim survivor was 11-years-old to get him to leave her alone. One of the group made a video of them speaking with Aitken.
In August 2019 the girl was at his address and he sexually abused her for the first time.
Other meetings followed and at all times Aitken was aware of her age. She had even attended his home address in her school uniform.
The victim survivor, now 17, has since said: “I say the following to Dwayne Aitken, I know this may seem like all a big joke to you but I hope you understand you’ve ruined not only my life but my family’s life as well. You laughed hysterically the last time I saw you outside. Every night I cried myself to sleep after that, thinking how cruel one can be.
“A person can tell 100 lies but the truth will always remain the truth. You’ve taken so much from me but I refuse to be a victim of you for the rest of my life.
“To any of those who have gone through or going through sexual assault, you’re not alone. It’s never too late to speak. There are people who will listen to your story and help you fight for your justice and officers who will help you through the whole process.
“Don’t feel that you will be humiliated, embarrassed or not heard.”
On 30 January 2020 police were made aware of the disclosures to the girl’s school by Social Services, and this immediately prompted an investigation into child sexual exploitation.
Aitken was arrested on 13 February 2020 after the girl was found leaving his flat and he was issued with a Child Abduction Warning Notice.
He was charged on 30 September 2022 and at court was found guilty of three counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, two counts of supplying Class B drugs to another, one count of sexual assault, one count of sexual activity with a child, one count of attempted rape, two counts of inciting sexual activity with a child and one count of supplying Class A drugs.
+ If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.
Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support can be found on our website.
