Pramod Dhakal

A 49-year-old man from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, has been jailed for 25 years after being found guilty of raping and sexually abusing eight victims over nearly two decades. Pramod Dhakal, residing on Victorian Crescent, carried out the offences primarily in Cambridgeshire, with one victim in London. The abuse spanned 17 years, affecting seven children, the youngest of whom was just eight years old at the time.

The case came to light in November 2023 when one of the victims confided in her family about the abuse she had suffered. This disclosure prompted further survivors to come forward, revealing a pattern of predatory behaviour by Dhakal. He was arrested just two days after the initial report was made to the police. Despite denying all allegations, Dhakal maintained his innocence throughout the investigation and a subsequent 20-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court in September 2024.

The jury deliberated for less than three hours before delivering a unanimous guilty verdict on all 25 charges, which included multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. On 1 December 2024, Judge David Farrell sentenced Dhakal to 25 years' imprisonment, with an extended eight years on licence. Additionally, he was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and issued with an indefinite restraining order prohibiting contact with any of the victims.

According to reports from Hits Radio South Yorkshire, the offences were described in court as 'horrific' and 'sustained', with prosecutors highlighting the vulnerability of the victims and the trust Dhakal had abused. The article, authored by Ellie Robson and published on 2 December 2024, noted that the case underscores the importance of victims speaking out, as the initial confession led to the identification of additional survivors. South Yorkshire Police were involved in the arrest, given Dhakal's residence in Doncaster, while the trial proceedings were handled at Cambridge Crown Court due to the location of most offences.