Croydon Man jailed for 28 years for decade-long child abuse

April 15, 2026

A man who subjected two young children to abuse over 15 years has been jailed following an investigation by Met detectives. Anthony Adewale Sobogun, 61, of Thistlewood Crescent, Croydon was sentenced to 28 years' imprisonment at Inner London Crown Court today, Wednesday, 15 April.

He had previously been found guilty of 17 non-recent sexual abuse offences against two children. The offending includes multiple incidents of sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 13, as well as the rape of a child. Sobogun carried out his abuse during the 1990s and early 2000s. His victims were known to him.

Investigation and Sentencing

While recounting her experience, one victim-survivor shared that Sobogun had accompanied her to an abortion clinic after she had fallen pregnant with his child. After hearing this, officers traced the medical records which showed the procedure had taken place. They also reviewed counselling notes which detailed the cycle of sexual abuse she had been subjected to.

Sobogun was arrested in the early hours of 2 July 2025. He was later charged and convicted following a thorough investigation by officers who took a victim-led approach to build the trust of the victim-survivors, gathering evidence and allowing their voices to be heard in court.

Police Statement

Detective Constable Charlotte Lockyer, who led on this case, said: “The bravery of the victims in coming forward is what brought Sobogun to justice. It’s as a result of their courage in working with officers that this dangerous man has been jailed.

“Their bravery in the face of an abuser has stopped Sobogun from causing further harm to society.

“Today’s result shows that no matter when the abuse occurred, justice can still be secured.”

Victim-Survivor Statement

The victims of Sobogun’s crimes have bravely come forward to share their thoughts: “What has come to light is deeply distressing, but sadly, it is not an isolated situation. Abuse like this exists in many communities, often hidden by family, fear, silence, or stigma.

“We want to be clear: it is never too late to come forward. If you have experienced abuse, your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard, supported, and protected. We also want to highlight something that is often overlooked: people can present well, appear trustworthy, and still cause harm behind closed doors.

“This is why it is so important to look beyond appearances, to listen carefully, and to take concerns seriously. We would like to thank the Metropolitan Police, particularly Charlotte Lockyer, the prosecutor Mr William Goss and the Crown Prosecution Service for taking this case seriously and progressing it with care and professionalism.”

Met Police Commitment to Victims

The Met is committed to improving victim-survivor experiences at every stage of an investigation. In this case, officers worked closely with the victim-survivors in this case to secure evidence through video recorded interviews (VRIs).

These take place in specially designed suites that support safer, more sensitive interviews for both adults and children. They strengthen investigations while helping victims feel supported and heard.

The Met has recently undertaken a £10 million VRI suite upgrade programme, to enhance the quality and integrity of evidence. This is achieved by combining advanced digital technology with a trauma‑informed, victim‑centred environment.

Author

South London News Police & Courts Desk

From the local beat to the Inner London Crown Court, the South London News Police & Courts Desk offers comprehensive coverage of justice in our boroughs. Our editorial staff provide rapid reporting, trial analysis, and exclusive insights into local safety, ensuring our readers stay informed on the stories affecting their streets.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between breaking incidents and traditional court reporting, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, human-led perspective on justice today.