Paedophile who began abusing his child victim when she was just eight years old is jailed for 14 years after four-year police investigation

•  Muhammad Talukdar began sexually abusing his victim in 1998

A paedophile who started abusing his victim when she was just eight-years-old has been jailed for 14 years following a four-year police sting into the child abuser. 

Muhammad Talukdar began sexually abusing his victim in 1998 in Tower Hamlets, east London. However, an inquiry into the 51-year-olds heinous crimes did not start until over 20 years later. 

The Metropolitan Police began investigating Talukdar in 2020. It took time for the force to build a case against him as they had no DNA evidence or recent witness accounts to help strengthen the investigation.

 Nevertheless, the determined coppers worked tirelessly to build a case against Talukdar. 

They carried out extensive interviews with friends and family of the victim and gathered detailed medical records to show the extent of the abuse. Talukdar's victim also gave permission for the police to read notes from her counselling sessions. 

The Met's hard work paid off and Talukdar, of Ballance Street in Bath, was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday May 31.

Detective Constable Paul Hawthorn, who led the investigation, said 'I'd like to commend the bravery of the victim for her strength throughout this investigation. I hope this case serves as inspiration to others who may understandably fear speaking out against this kind of abhorrent abuse.

'Officers showed true determination in securing justice on behalf of the victim and I'd like to thank them for their dedication - they are a credit to the Met.

'We will continue to build cases against dangerous predators like Talukdar as part of our commitment to protecting women and girls and eradicating sexual violence.

'We would urge anyone who has been a victim of abuse – no matter how long ago – to please come forward to police and get the support you so rightly deserve.'

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