Colin Moore

In a case that spanned three decades, Colin Moore, a 58-year-old man from Camberwell, south London, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a series of sexual offences committed against a vulnerable girl in the 1990s. The crimes, which included nine counts of rape and indecent assault, occurred between 1995 and 1999 at locations across west and central London, such as the victim's mother's flat and Victoria Station. Moore, described by detectives as a manipulative sexual predator, took advantage of the girl who was under the age of 16 at the time, robbing her of her innocence and childhood.

The victim, now 41, came forward in 2020 to report the prolonged abuse to the Metropolitan Police. Despite the passage of time, detectives, led by Detective Constable Laura Harcombe, conducted a thorough investigation, gathering evidence including voice-recorded interviews and statements from witnesses. This comprehensive effort resulted in Moore's arrest and charges. At Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 26 November 2024, he was convicted and sentenced, finally facing consequences for his actions after years of living without accountability.

The victim-survivor shared her emotional journey in a statement, expressing elation at the justice served. 'I overcame mental turmoil to fight for what is right,' she said. 'After years of trying to forget the innocence that had been taken from my childhood, I wasn’t satisfied my abuser lived without consequence while I suffered the aftermath of his actions.' She urged other women to speak up, adding, 'Every woman deserves a voice; to speak up without fear and stand up against abuse.' DC Harcombe praised the victim's courage, stating, 'This woman has shown incredible courage to report the abuse she suffered over a prolonged period of time to police... We hope this sentence brings a semblance of peace to the woman at the centre of the case.'

The Metropolitan Police's investigation highlights their commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, even in historical cases. Moore's conviction serves as a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and the resilience of survivors in seeking justice.