CHILDREN'S MENTOR CONVICTED OF 14 CHARGES OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST FORMER STUDENTS
A mentor for children in south London has been convicted on 14 counts of sexual offences involving former students after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police into past child sexual abuse allegations spanning over twenty years.On Monday, December 15, a jury at Isleworth Crown Court found Emem Udaw, aged 50 (born 28 January 1975), of Knollmead, Tolworth, guilty following a three-week trial.
Udaw received convictions on 14 counts of indecent assault on a girl under the age of 16.
The allegations involve five victims, all in their early teens at the time of the incidents, which happened at Holland Park Secondary School from 2001 to 2004, where Udaw was employed as a children’s mentor.
The sentencing date has been set for Thursday, January 29, at the same court.
Detective Constable Sandy Whysall, who led the investigation, commented: “Udaw’s conduct was predatory; he exploited his role of trust to target vulnerable young girls during school hours.
His conviction underscores that efforts to bring offenders to justice are ongoing, regardless of how much time has passed.
The victims displayed great courage in coming forward, which was essential to this case.
Their bravery has not only resulted in justice but also helps prevent future abuse and ensures a dangerous individual is held responsible.” This case was initially brought to police attention in 2019 when a victim shared concerns about inappropriate behavior by a former school employee within a private social media group.
Several women recognized his description and shared their own similar experiences privately.
Eventually, three victims reported abuse to authorities in January 2020.
More victims came forward later in August and November 2020, prompting further police interviews with Udaw.
Despite denying all allegations and claiming to have been a positive role model, Udaw was charged with 21 offences on July 1, 2024.
Investigators revealed that Udaw exploited his mentoring position to isolate victims during private sessions.
He encouraged students to skip lessons, took them to empty classrooms, and sometimes locked the doors.
He made sexualized comments, inquired about personal matters, and touched victims under the guise of offering comfort—sometimes in intimate ways or by kissing them.
He also forced victims to sit on his lap.
These acts were repeated during school hours and often under the false pretense of providing emotional support.
