JERRY ABLORH FROM THORNTON HEATH SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS FOR GROOMING AND RAPE OF 5-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN CROYDON

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Thornton Heath and Croydon, Jerry Ablorh, a preacher known for his religious activities in South London, has seen his prison sentence significantly increased following a conviction for heinous crimes involving a young girl. Originally sentenced to 13 years in prison, Ablorh’s punishment was escalated to 18 years after an appeal hearing held at London's Court of Appeal on Tuesday, July 11.

Back in April 2017, Ablorh, aged 41 at the time, was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of raping a five-year-old girl and committing two counts of sexual assault by penetration. The court heard that Ablorh, who used various aliases including “Uncle John,” had manipulated his young victim by giving her presents in an attempt to gain her trust. His actions were compounded by threats, as he warned the girl that if she disclosed the abuse, a member of her family would die.

The court was informed that when the girl finally confided in her mother about the abuse, she was overwhelmed with fear and asked her mother, “Will you die if I tell you this?” This heartbreaking plea underscored the trauma inflicted upon her by Ablorh’s predatory behavior.

During the appeal, Lord Justice Treacy, along with Mrs Justice Russell and Judge Deborah Taylor, emphasized that Ablorh had exploited his position as a preacher to manipulate and abuse his victim. The judges noted that Ablorh had used his connections within the church community to gain the girl’s trust, which he then exploited for his own depraved purposes. The court described his conduct as particularly grave, warranting a much harsher sentence than the original 13 years.

Furthermore, the court highlighted that the original sentence was “unduly lenient,” a conclusion supported by the Attorney General, Jeremy Wright MP, who had referred the case for review. As a sex offender considered to be of particular concern, Ablorh will also serve an additional year on licence after his release, reflecting the seriousness with which the justice system views his crimes.

In the initial sentencing in April 2017, police revealed that Ablorh’s victim was visibly distressed, sobbing throughout her court testimony as she recounted her ordeal. Authorities also expressed concern that Ablorh, aware of the investigation against him, had gone into hiding. Despite multiple attempts to locate him through raids at addresses linked to him, he remained elusive until he was finally detained after being spotted outside a church in Croydon on New Year’s Eve.

The case has raised alarms about the potential for other victims, as police believe Ablorh may have exploited his position and connections to commit further offenses that have yet to be reported. The community continues to grapple with the revelations of this disturbing case, which underscores the importance of vigilance and safeguarding vulnerable children from predatory individuals like Ablorh.