DWAYNE AITKEN FROM STOKE NEWINGTON SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES IN HACKNEY

In a case that has shocked the local community, Dwayne Aitken, aged 43 and residing on Brooke Road in Stoke Newington, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term of 18 years after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences. The conviction follows a detailed investigation conducted by detectives from the Central East Command, which oversees law enforcement activities in Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

Authorities initiated the investigation after a young girl, who was the victim in this case, confided in her teacher about the abuse she had endured. The distressing disclosures prompted a thorough inquiry that ultimately led to Aitken’s arrest and subsequent conviction. The court proceedings took place at Wood Green Crown Court, where Aitken was sentenced on Tuesday, 12 September, after being convicted of numerous charges related to sexual misconduct.

Specifically, Aitken was found guilty of three counts of rape, with the incidents occurring over a period of time. The court also issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order against him, aiming to prevent any further offenses. The case revealed that Aitken had targeted the young girl after approaching her on 24 February 2019 while she was walking along Brooke Road in Stoke Newington. During this encounter, he introduced himself as ‘Sean’ and instructed her to wait for him at Stoke Newington Common. The girl, feeling frightened and unsure of how to respond, contacted her friends for support. Subsequently, Aitken invited her back to his flat, which she accepted.

At her request, she asked if her friends could join her, and Aitken agreed. While at his residence, the group confronted Aitken and disclosed that the girl was only 11 years old, a revelation intended to deter him from continuing his advances. One of the friends recorded a video of the interaction with Aitken, capturing the disturbing exchange. In August 2019, the girl returned to Aitken’s address, where he sexually abused her for the first time. Despite knowing her age, Aitken continued to meet with her on multiple occasions, including instances where she attended his home dressed in her school uniform.

The victim, now 17, has spoken out about her ordeal, expressing her pain and resilience. She stated, “I say the following to Dwayne Aitken, I know this may seem like all a big joke to you but I hope you understand you’ve ruined not only my life but my family’s life as well. You laughed hysterically the last time I saw you outside. Every night I cried myself to sleep after that, thinking how cruel one can be. A person can tell 100 lies but the truth will always remain the truth. You’ve taken so much from me but I refuse to be a victim of you for the rest of my life.”

She also offered words of encouragement to others who have experienced similar trauma, saying, “To any of those who have gone through or going through sexual assault, you’re not alone. It’s never too late to speak. There are people who will listen to your story and help you fight for your justice and officers who will help you through the whole process. Don’t feel that you will be humiliated, embarrassed or not heard.”

The investigation was further intensified after social services reported the disclosures to the girl’s school on 30 January 2020, which led to a swift police response. Aitken was arrested on 13 February 2020 when officers observed him leaving his flat. During this arrest, he was issued a Child Abduction Warning Notice. The legal proceedings culminated in his being charged on 30 September 2022, with a range of serious offences including three counts of rape, attempted rape, supplying Class B drugs, sexual assault, sexual activity with a minor, inciting sexual activity with a child, and supplying Class A drugs. The court’s verdict confirmed his guilt on all counts, and he was sentenced accordingly, marking a significant victory for justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals in the Hackney area.