Child Rapist on the Run Snared in France and Jailed for 13 Years
A convicted child rapist who tried to dodge justice by fleeing the UK has finally been caught and locked up for 13 years. Ako Hawla, 26, was tracked down in France and extradited back to Britain to face trial.
Groomed and Abused 13-Year-Old Girl in Erith Flat
Hawla preyed on a 13-year-old girl from west Kent, grooming her online before luring her to his flat on Frobisher Road, Erith, in June 2019. There, he repeatedly attacked her. When police found the missing girl at his home, Hawla tried to cover his tracks by convincing her to lie about her age and tell officers she was just “sleeping on his couch.”
At the time, Hawla was 19 and had falsely convinced the victim he was also a juvenile. He was arrested on the spot, bailed, but then vanished abroad to escape the law.
Captured After European Hunt, Faces Heavy Prison Sentence
It wasn’t until April 2024 that Hawla was found in France and dragged back to the UK under a European Arrest Warrant. At Woolwich Crown Court, he was convicted of rape, five additional sexual offences, and child abduction. On 14 August 2025, he was sentenced to 13 years behind bars and slapped with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before he can even apply for parole.
Police Warn Parents to Watch Kids’ Social Media
“Hawla exploited a child’s trust in the most sinister and deplorable way,” said Detective Constable Kim Bashford. “He used social media to gain trust, then subjected the victim to a terrifying ordeal. It’s a relief to see him face justice after tracking him across Europe. I hope the victim can start to rebuild her life now that he’s behind bars.”
DC Bashford also urged parents to keep a close eye on their children’s online contacts: “Children should only talk to people they know personally and must report any suspicious or inappropriate advances to parents, schools, or the police.”
