An Indian-origin man, Vruj Patel, 26, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to multiple child rape offences. His brother, Kishan Patel, was also sentenced to 15 months for possessing indecent images of children.
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The sentencing follows an extensive investigation by the Metropolitan Police, which has urged any potential additional victims to come forward. Detectives believe there may be others targeted by the Patel brothers.
“Vruj Patel is a cowardly, opportunistic offender who has preyed on vulnerable victims for his own sexual gratification,” said Detective Sergeant Rob Blant, who led the investigation. “The threat he poses to women and children has been reflected in his sentence and his future management under the terms of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements for life.”
DS Blant praised the thorough investigation, stating, “This is a fantastic example of detailed work by Met detectives supporting victims of the most serious offending and safeguarding the public from a dangerous offender.”
Vruj Patel pleaded guilty to the rape of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, and four counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, all relating to one victim. He also admitted to the rape of a woman over 16 and sexual assault by penetration involving a second victim. Additional charges included possession of indecent images of children and voyeurism, resulting in a lifetime entry on the UK sex offenders’ register.
Kishan Patel was sentenced for making and possessing indecent images of children and will also serve a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order alongside his jail term.
The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal for anyone with information about potential victims to come forward.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
