A former learning mentor has been sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually abusing five vulnerable teenage girls who sought his support at school.
Emem Udaw, 51, engaged in inappropriate conduct with the girls, which included touching them in intimate areas, coercing one to touch him, and kissing another between 2002 and 2005 while he was employed at Holland Park School in Kensington, west London.
Details of the Abuse
The victims, one of whom was just 13 years old at the time of the offenses, described Udaw as a trusted figure who ultimately exploited their vulnerability. They expressed feelings of betrayal and confusion regarding his actions.
Udaw was found guilty of 14 counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16, encompassing 47 incidents, following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court in December. His case is reminiscent of other troubling incidents, such as the case of an ex-nursery worker guilty of 30 further sexual offences.
During the sentencing, Judge Giles Curtis-Raleigh addressed Udaw, stating, „Your actions were predatory, directed against girls who had been referred or come directly to you because they were having problems in their lives and/or in the school where you were working as a learning mentor. In each case, it was a flagrant, gross breach of trust.“ Udaw has been placed on the sex offenders register for life and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 20 years.
Victim Statements
In a victim impact statement, one complainant recounted how she sought Udaw’s help during a tumultuous time in her life, which included her father’s absence due to an accident and bullying at school. She expressed feelings of confusion, embarrassment, and betrayal when he began to touch her inappropriately.
Another victim described her initial perception of Udaw as a „trusted adult“ who was „cool and approachable,“ but the abuse led her to view all men as untrustworthy. She recounted her feelings of fear and loneliness upon arriving in the country as a teenager, highlighting her reliance on Udaw as a mentor.
Legal Proceedings and Aftermath
Defense attorney Catherine Purnell noted that Udaw had not offended for a significant period following the incidents, suggesting he had matured during that time. She characterized the legal proceedings as devastating for his family.
The abuse was uncovered in 2019 when one victim shared her experiences in a social media group, prompting others to come forward. Three victims reported the incidents to the police in January 2020, with two additional victims following later that year. Udaw denied the allegations during police interviews, claiming he had acted as a role model.
Holland Park School has notable alumni, including actress Anjelica Huston, TV presenter Miquita Oliver, and former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi.
„`
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Maximilian Scheffler auf Unsplash
