Family Friend Found Guilty of Shocking Sexual Assaults on Children
Subrahmaniam Sathananthan, 61, of Pembroke Close, Wembley, was found guilty on 10 charges of sexual offences following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday, March 21.
Details of the Charges
- One count of indecent assault on a male under section 15(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 1956;
- Seven counts of indecent assault under section 14(1) of the Sexual Offences Act 1956;
- Two counts of indecency with a child under section 1(1) of the Indecency Act 1960.
Trusted Family Friend Exploited Private Moments
The offending came to light after two victims, a girl and a boy who knew Sathananthan personally, reported the sexual assaults on April 27, 2019. The victims were aged between 9 and 13 when the abuse occurred.
Sathananthan used his close relationship as a family friend to gain trust. He was a regular guest at the victims’ home for dinners and social visits. Under the guise of needing help creating documents for his new business, he arranged to use a computer in the children’s bedrooms.
Taking advantage of the private setting, Sathananthan sexually assaulted the girl, telling her “Just between you and me” and warning “no one else needs to know”. Over the years, he showered her with expensive gifts including sunglasses and perfumes to keep her silence.
Victims Finally Speak Out Years Later
The girl’s disclosure to her family during a university Skype call led the boy to come forward with his similar experience. He revealed that Sathananthan assaulted him when no one else was home, again exploiting trust and privacy.
Sathananthan was arrested on May 10, 2019, but denied all allegations. He will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on June 16, 2023.
Police Praise Victims’ Courage
“I commend the bravery of both victim-survivors in coming forward and reporting the assaults to us,” said Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smithson of the Met’s Public Protection Team. “Full support has been given to them throughout the investigation as we worked towards justice.”
“Anyone who reports a sexual offence—historical or recent—will be listened to and believed from the start.”
