Wembley Man Found Guilty of Multiple Sexual Assault Charges
Subrahmaniam Sathananthan, 61, from Pembroke Close, Wembley, has been found guilty on 10 serious charges following a trial at Isleworth Crown Court on March 21.
Details of the Charges
- One count of indecent assault on a male (Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 15(1))
- Seven counts of indecent assault (Sexual Offences Act 1956, section 14(1))
- Two counts of indecency with a child (Indecency Act 1960, section 1(1))
How the Abuse Happened
Police were alerted on April 27, 2019, after two victims—a girl and a boy known to Sathananthan—reported horrific sexual assaults.
The victims were aged between 9 and 13 when Sathananthan, a trusted family friend, abused his position to assault them in their family homes.
Sathananthan was regularly invited over for dinners and social visits. He asked the victims to help with work for his new business, which took place in one victim’s bedroom where a computer was set up.
Using this private setting, he sexually assaulted her, urging, “Just between you and me” and “no-one else needs to know.” Over the years, he also gave the victim expensive gifts like sunglasses and perfume.
Victims Find Courage to Speak Out
Years later, during a university Skype call, the female victim disclosed the abuse to her family. This led to the second victim revealing he had suffered similar assaults from Sathananthan when alone in the house.
Following these brave reports, Sathananthan was arrested on May 10, 2019. He denied all allegations.
He is set to be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on June 16, 2023.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smithson, Met Police Public Protection Team, said: “I commend the bravery of both victim-survivors in coming forward and reporting the assaults to us. My team and I have ensured full support throughout the investigation as we seek justice for them.” “I want to reiterate that anyone reporting a sexual offence, whether historical or current, will be listened to and believed from the start.”
