Monster Jailed for Life Over Brutal Sex Worker Murder
Brian Sengendo, 27, has been handed a minimum 42-year sentence at the Old Bailey for a terrifying four-hour rampage of sexual violence that ended with the murder of 44-year-old sex worker Therasia Gordon in Edmonton on 4 August 2020.
Horrific Night of Assault and Violence
Earlier on the same night, Sengendo kidnapped two other sex workers. He raped one and stabbed her seven times, narrowly missing fatal injuries. Both women made a desperate escape by leaping out of his moving van.
The judge tore into Sengendo as a “proven liar and manipulator” driven by the “most perverted” sexual desires. He praised the “outstanding teamwork” of police officers and detectives for their expert work in the case.
Police Work Cracks the Case Wide Open
Detective PC Chris Hough was singled out for his CCTV investigations that provided irrefutable evidence. Starting from a partial number plate seen by a witness, police used Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to track a white van linked to the crimes roaming Enfield that night.
A van reported abandoned weeks earlier led police to digital doorbell footage showing a slim black man – later confirmed as Sengendo – driving it away. The team circulated his image within hours of the first reports.
Further CCTV showed Sengendo’s van disappearing from camera footage for 18 crucial minutes. Police investigated a secluded lane and driveway nearby where they searched for evidence.
Remarkably, a resident revealed she’d found and left a phone on a fence – it was Sengendo’s, placing him near where Therasia’s body was found. This key evidence helped seal his fate.
Detective Chief Inspector Hails Police Efforts
“Sengendo is an extremely dangerous man who will now spend most or all of his life behind bars. The sentence is a small comfort for Therasia’s devastated family. This complex investigation shows how police determination and technology keep our streets safer.” – Detective Chief Inspector Neil John
Despite checks, no links to other crimes were found. Sengendo’s reign of terror ended thanks to tireless officers who left no stone unturned.
