He was jailed for 22 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court
A man from East London has been jailed after a string of shocking rapes and assaults on children were uncovered during a phone repair. Vruj Patel, 26, of Selsdon Road in Newham, raped and assaulted both women and children – captured on his brother’s mobile phone.
He was jailed for 22 years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, October 7. Patel was also placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. The paedophile was arrested on February 1, after child sexual images were found on a device which had been sent for repair. While the device belonged to his brother, Kishan Patel, video showed Vruj committing sexual offences against a child.
Seizure of the phone uncovered further images and videos showed him committing a rape against a young woman following a university night out, and voyeurism against a young girl. Vruj, who had filmed himself carrying out the acts, was identifiable by his distinctive jewellery and clothing comparisons.
Although each incident of contact offending is thought to have happened in 2018, the voyeurism preceded this and officers are concerned that Vruj’s offending has continued until more recently.
Kishan Patel, 31, also of Selsdon Road, was jailed for 15 months at the same court for possession of indecent images of children. He will also serve a 10-year-long sexual harm prevention order.
Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the Met’s investigation, said: “Patel is a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification. The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence and his future management under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for the remainder of his life.
“This is a fantastic example of a thorough and detailed investigation by Met detectives working to support victims of the most serious offending and safeguard the wider public from a dangerous offender.
“There are teams of dedicated, professional officers working across London who will leave no stone unturned to identify those who seek to commit offences against vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice.”
Vruj Patel was charged with Voyeurism, sexual assault female over 16, assault by penetration female over 16, rape female over 16, four counts of causing or Inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, rape of a child under 13, four counts of making Indecent Images. Kishan Patel was charged with four counts of making or possessing indecent images.
Police continue to appeal to anyone who thinks they may be a victim-survivor of Patel’s abuse. Detectives would like to speak to anyone who thinks he may have abused children placed under his care.
Survivors can contact the police by reporting online or by calling 101 quoting Op Castline, where officers will arrange contact. The 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line is a free phone and online chat service which can be contacted on 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk or by calling 0808 500 2222.
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