Mustafa Mehmet was found guilty of repeatedly raping a young girl after exploiting a relationship with her mother in Hackney.
Mehmet, 34, was unanimously found guilty of rape of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act and assault (ABH) on Friday, 6 December at Wood Green Crown Court.
He has been remanded in custody and sentencing will be at the same court on Friday, 31 January 2025.
The sexual assaults and abuse took place over a three-year period from the mid-2000s and started when the child was eight years old.
Detectives from Central East’s Child Abuse Investigation Team have been working to identify possible further victims of Mehmet and encourage anyone who has been a victim of Mehmet to come forward and report to the police.
Mehmet is said to exploited his friendship with the victim’s mother, allowing him to gain access to the child to conduct a prolonged campaign of abuse and sexual assault.
An investigation was launched after the victim reported the offences in 2019, leading to Mehmet being charge in January 2024. Local officers supported the victim throughout the investigation and trial, acknowledging the bravery it took to make the first steps in reporting the crime in the first place.
Detective Constable Megan Davidson of the Central East Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:
“Mehmet is a dangerous and predatory sex offender. He exploited an innocent relationship with a young family to abuse their children.
“It has taken tremendous courage on the part of the victim to report this to the Metropolitan Police, without which Mehmet may not have faced justice.
“The Metropolitan Police Service tirelessly pursues those who commit violence against women and girls. Whilst we cannot reverse the impact that this abuse has had on the victim, this conviction will bring some justice to the victim.
“I remain concerned that Mehmet may have committed other offences that have yet to be reported to us. If you recognise this man as having had any relationship with your family and believe that you or a family member may have been a victim of his abuse, please contact us immediately.
“Specially trained officers will be there to listen to you and provide you with any support you may require.”
