Child molester who abused an 8-year-old girl in Tower Hamlets in the 1990s was jailed almost 30 years later

A child molester who sexually abused an eight-year-old girl has been sentenced to prison. Muhammad Talukdar, 51, of Ballance Street, Bath, was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on May 31. He raped and sexually assaulted the child in Tower Hamlets, east London, in the 1990s.

The historical crimes came to light in 2020, but in the absence of recent witness statements and DNA evidence, officers conducted interviews with the victim’s friends and family and collected medical records to prove the extent of the abuse. The victim also gave permission to share notes from her counseling sessions.

Paedophile Talukdar was found guilty of three counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault at Snaresbrook Crown Court in March 2024.

Detective Constable Paul Hawthorn said: “I would like to commend the victim’s courage and strength throughout the investigation. I hope this case serves as an inspiration to others who are understandably afraid to speak out against this type of abhorrent abuse. The officers showed true determination to seek justice on behalf of the victim and I would like to thank them for their efforts – they are an asset to the police force.

“We will continue to bring cases against dangerous sexual offenders like Talukdar as part of our commitment to protect women and girls and eradicate sexual violence. We would urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse – no matter how long ago it happened – to come forward to the police and get the support they deserve.”

You can get support and help from numerous agencies and charities:

• National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) Helpline: 0808 801 0331
• Rape Crisis 08085002222
• Children’s telephone 0800 1111
• National Rape and Sexual Abuse Hotline 0808 802 9999
• Survivors UK 0203 598 3898 [email protected].
• Samaritans 116 123 [email protected]