Saptarshi Mitra

Saptarshi Mitra, a 42-year-old man from Ashfield Avenue in Birmingham, has pleaded guilty to over 13 sexual offences against a child, with the most serious charges being two counts of rape. The offences came to light when the victim bravely reported the abuse to authorities after enduring it for several years.

Mitra was originally scheduled for trial at Birmingham Crown Court on 7 July 2024. However, during the proceedings, he changed his pleas and admitted guilt to all 13 charges. Following his admission, he was remanded in custody and is due to return to court in September 2024 for sentencing, where he is expected to receive a substantial custodial term.

West Midlands Police arrested Mitra promptly after the victim's report. During the investigation, officers seized his mobile phone, which contained indecent images of the victim, providing crucial evidence of the abuse. The case was handled by the Complex Child Abuse Investigation Team, highlighting the severity and nature of the offences.

Detective Sergeant Claire Hankinson from the team commented: “Mitra took advantage of his young victim but she had the courage to report the abuse. Mitra now faces a lengthy jail sentence when he next appears in court. We hope her bravery encourages other young people subjected to sexual abuse to come forward.” This statement underscores the police's commitment to supporting victims and pursuing perpetrators in child sex abuse cases.

The offences involved repeated sexual exploitation and rape of a minor, spanning multiple years, and demonstrate a pattern of predatory behaviour. Mitra's guilty pleas have spared the victim the ordeal of a full trial, allowing the focus to shift to sentencing and justice.