August 2018

Pensioner sentenced to 20 years

A pensioner who carried out more than 200 sexual assaults on two young victims over a 25-year period – and even filmed some of the abuse – has been jailed for 20 years.

James Lee, also known as “Tony” Lee, of Joslin Road, Purfleet, subjected his victims to repeated abuse at various locations in east London between 1975 and 2000.

One victim was seven years old when the abuse began, while the other was under 16, the court heard.

Lee even filmed himself abusing his victims – police found a number of video tapes which captured the offences in a safe at Lee’s home address when he was arrested earlier this year.

He committed his crimes for more than two decades against two female victims who were both aged under 16 when the abuse started.

In February 2018, on of the victims, who cannot be named for legal reasons, came forward to report her abuse at Lee’s hands.

After a full investigation, the second victim, who also cannot be named, was identified and revealed to officers the horrific abuse she experienced from Lee.

On Thursday, February 15, Lee was arrested at his home address. He was charged on March 14 and pleaded guilty to his offences at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, June 1.

Lee was sentenced on Thursday, August 14 at the same court after previously pleading guilty to 28 offences – including rape, buggery and indecent assault.