'PROLIFIC SEXUAL PREDATOR' JAILED FOR 18 YEARS
A man described by the Metropolitan Police as one of the most extensive and depraved sexual predators in recent times has been sentenced to 18 years in prison.Barthimaus Ehiemere, 25 years old from Hackney in east London, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court for a total of 47 counts of sexual abuse committed against seven boys.
A police investigation found he had engaged in online grooming and serious sexual offences against boys aged 12 to 16, including seven counts of rape of two boys between 2019 and 2023.
Court proceedings revealed that Ehiemere pursued a commercial motive, grooming children on Snapchat, with police appealing for any additional victims to step forward.
He was reported to have provided boys with gifts, money, and praise, encouraging them to send sexual images, which he used to promote further offenses and entice other boys.
Ehiemere openly boasted about his activities and sold illegal images to other offenders, police reported.
He also used the now-defunct app Spotafriend to connect with children.
Authorities seized four devices containing over 1,600 indecent images of minors.
Prosecutor James Brown KC described Ehiemere as having a deeply rooted and commercial interest in the sexual exploitation of young teenage boys.
Victim statements included one person describing ongoing nightmares and explaining it took a long time to understand their victimization was not their fault.
Detective Chief Inspector Kirk Doyle emphasized that Ehiemere targeted vulnerable children through social media platforms.
Speaking outside court, a police officer highlighted the significant harm caused by Ehiemere and noted that some victims have not yet come forward, estimating the number is likely higher than current counts.
Judge Timothy Greene sentenced Ehiemere, characterizing him as a serious danger to young boys.
Defense attorney Barry Kogan expressed remorse, attributing Ehiemere’s actions to bad influences and apologizing for the distress caused.
He explained that Ehiemere was influenced by an adult who encouraged him to profit from illegal images.
Ehiemere’s prior arrest occurred on July 28, 2020, after police found indecent images on his phone.
He received a suspended imprisonment and a sexual harm prevention order at Wood Green Crown Court in early 2021.
The authorities identified initial victims, including a 12-year-old boy, with Ehiemere admitting guilt to numerous charges, including the rape of a young child and inciting minors to produce indecent images.
He was convicted on a further 15 charges involving sexual assaults and paying for sex with children.
Ehiemere is now mandated to register as a sex offender for life.
