Anthony Huggins

Anthony Huggins, a 34-year-old man from Bellclose Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, was sentenced to ten years in prison at Isleworth Crown Court following a two-week trial where he was convicted of historic sexual offences against a young girl.

The offences took place over a four-year period from January 2009 to December 2013 in the Shepherd's Bush and Ealing areas of London. The abuse began when the victim was just seven years old and occurred at an address in the W12 postcode area, unbeknownst to the victim's mother. The court heard that Huggins carried out multiple assaults, including rape and sexual abuse, exploiting his persuasive and violent nature to silence the victim and her family.

The incidents came to light on 4 February 2017 when the victim, then aged 17, disclosed the abuse to nurses during a hospital visit. The nurses promptly informed the police, leading to an investigation. It emerged that the victim had confided in her family around the age of ten, at which point the abuse temporarily ceased, only to resume a few months later. Fear of Huggins prevented the family from reporting the matter to authorities at the time.

Huggins was arrested and charged on 22 March 2017 after the victim formally reported the offences. Detective Constable Andrew Hargreaves, the lead investigator, commented on the case: "We are relieved that Huggins has received a just prison sentence for his crimes. His abusive and unforgivable behaviour has caused potentially irreparable damage to his victim, who I can only hope will now be provided with some closure following his conviction. The ordeal he put her through is something no one should have to experience. The bravery shown by the victim will hopefully be a positive example to others, encouraging them to come forward and tell their stories to put these abusers away."

Sentencing occurred on 29 March 2019. Although Huggins was cleared of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault, the conviction on the remaining charges reflected the severity of his actions. The case was handled by the Metropolitan Police Service, highlighting their commitment to pursuing historic sexual abuse claims.