Man has been in prison for almost ten years for rape and sexual abuse of a child

A man who raped and sexually abused a young girl for almost a decade in the 1980s and 1990s has been jailed thanks to an extensive investigation by Met detectives.

Adrian Morbey, 72 (26.09.52), of Ashbourne Road, Romford, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, November 27, to a total of 15 years in prison, with a one-year extended license. He will also be on the sex offenders register for life.

He was found guilty at the same court on Wednesday, August 21, of four charges of indecent assault on a child, two charges of indecency to a child and one charge of rape of a child under 16.

The offenses took place between 1989 and 1996, when the victim was between seven and fifteen years old.

The court heard that in 1989, Morbey began intercepting the victim, then just seven years old, as she was on her way home from school and would take her to different locations. The crime started as sexual assault and progressed to rape. Morbey also showered her with exaggerated gifts and money.

The victim’s mother approached police in 2018 and told them she believed her daughter had been sexually abused by Morbey. As a result, officers contacted the victim and asked her if she would disclose violations. She then revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and raped by Morbey.

In December 2018, Morbey was interviewed by detectives under an abundance of caution. When presented with allegations that he would intercept the victim at school and drive her to locations to sexually assault her and later rape her, he responded: “No, not a chance.”

He later added that “I never behaved inappropriately towards her” and addressing the allegations, he said: “I’m stunned.” I’m completely floored.’

Detectives then worked tirelessly to prepare a file for the Crown Prosecution Service to secure the charge, including ensuring the victim’s statement was as detailed as possible as it was the best piece of evidence.

The victim was supported by specialist officers and she gave two detailed video-recorded interviews in which she thoroughly recalled the sexual abuse to which Morbey had subjected her.

Detectives also took statements from people close to the victim, who were able to describe what the victim had told them about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Morbey, which provided additional evidence.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Yexley, from the East Area Public Protection Team, said: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in reporting Morbey to us, and for having to relive her horrific ordeal while providing two extremely detailed videotaped interviews to ensure that Morbey is brought to justice. was brought to justice for his heinous crimes. The victim had understandably discounted much of what Morbey had done to her and so it was extremely painful for her to talk about this nightmare in such detail. I hope him being behind bars gives her some closure.

“I would also like to commend the officer in the Jessica Stephens case for her tireless work to secure justice for the victim. Cases of sexual assault and rape are never easy to investigate, let alone cases that are over thirty years old. However, this did not deter DC Stephens, who was determined to see Morbey get his day in court – where the jury convicted him due to the overwhelming evidence presented.

“I hope this case makes it clear that the Met is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and that we will thoroughly investigate all allegations of sexual assault, regardless of how long ago they occurred.”