A London foster carer who repeatedly raped a young girl from the age of five has been jailed for 31 years. Bradley Dilsworth, 69, was convicted of 22 child sex offences committed between 2002 and 2010, including the rape of a girl when she was aged between five and eight.
Dilsworth used his position as a foster carer to abuse vulnerable children over nearly a decade. The offences spanned multiple victims, with the youngest being just five years old when the abuse began.
“A London foster carer who raped a girl from age five has been jailed for 31 years.”
The court heard that Dilsworth's crimes were a gross breach of trust. He was found guilty of a series of offences including rape, indecent assault, and gross indecency with a child.
Sentencing him at a London court, the judge described his actions as 'abhorrent' and 'a profound betrayal of the trust placed in him as a carer.' The 31-year jail term will ensure he spends the rest of his life behind bars.
Detectives praised the bravery of the victims who came forward, saying their evidence was crucial in securing the conviction. The case has highlighted the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children in care.
Dilsworth showed no emotion as the sentence was passed. He will serve at least two-thirds of his term before being considered for parole.