Child Sex Offender Anthony Kamau Found Guilty After Fleeing UK
Anthony Kamau was arrested back in February 2019 after horrifying offences came to light. He abused three children in Saffron Walden over a decade, between 2006 and 2016.
Shocking Crimes and Attempted Escape
Kamau faced two counts of assault by touching, four counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl, and one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. Despite his passport being seized, he shockingly managed to flee the country using an emergency ID after his first court hearing.
Detective Caroline Horden, who led the investigation, tracked Kamau down to his workplace near Nairobi, Kenya. She then worked relentlessly with partner agencies to secure his extradition back to the UK. Kamau was finally returned in July last year.
Guilty Verdict Delivered at Chelmsford Crown Court
The 51-year-old, formerly of Winstanley Road, Saffron Walden, denied all charges but was found guilty on all seven counts following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, 3 April. He’s set to be sentenced on Wednesday, 14 June.
The case was investigated by the Quest team, specialists in non-recent child abuse cases.
Police Praise Victims’ Courage and Urge Others to Come Forward
“I want to pay tribute to the courage demonstrated by the victims in the case to come forward and tell us what happened,” said Caroline Horden.
“Anthony Kamau is a prolific offender who poses a risk to children but now faces time behind bars. He tried to flee and evade justice but you cannot hide from Essex Police.”
Detective Sergeant Shirly Cole, leader of Quest, added: “People worry they won’t be believed or that because it happened long ago it won’t be taken seriously. But we do listen, support, and thoroughly investigate to secure justice.”
“It doesn’t matter when the offence took place—you deserve justice, and we’re here to help you get it.”
Support Available for Victims of Sexual Abuse in Essex
Survivors of rape and sexual abuse in Essex, Thurrock, and Southend can access expert support from Synergy Essex. This partnership of rape crisis centres—including CARA, SERICC, and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis—operates independently from the police.
Synergy Essex offers emotional support, counselling, and advocacy. Victims who report crimes to police receive help from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) throughout the justice process.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available and you are not alone.
