RICHARD ODUSANYA JAILED FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES AGAINST 13-YEAR-OLD IN HARBOURNE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Harborne, Richard Odusanya, aged 57, has been sentenced to prison for engaging in sexual activities with a vulnerable 13-year-old girl. The incident unfolded after Odusanya, who was employed as a carer responsible for looking after the elderly and vulnerable individuals, exploited his position and the trust placed in him to prey on a young girl.

The events took place on the night of August 29, 2016, when the teenager, who had recently run away from her social worker, encountered Odusanya at a bus stop located on Lordswood Road in Harborne. The girl approached Odusanya, asking for 50p, and the two subsequently boarded a bus together. It was during this encounter that Odusanya purchased her a Dixie chicken meal and a milkshake, seemingly to gain her trust and lure her into a vulnerable situation.

Later that evening, the pair met in a local park where Odusanya assaulted the girl. The prosecution, led by Darron Whitehead at Birmingham Crown Court, acknowledged that the girl appeared to be a willing participant in the activities. However, it was made clear that Odusanya, given his age and professional background, should have recognized that she was significantly underage. The court was informed that the defendant’s awareness of her age was evident, especially considering the context of their meeting and his own experience.

Following the incident, the victim’s mother attempted to identify Odusanya by calling his mobile phone and pretending to be her daughter. This effort was successful, as police traced the phone to Odusanya, leading to his arrest and subsequent prosecution. During the trial, Odusanya was found guilty on three counts of sexual activity with a child.

In sentencing, Judge Simon Drew QC emphasized the vulnerability of the young girl and the gravity of Odusanya’s misconduct. The judge pointed out that Odusanya’s professional background and training should have made him acutely aware of the inappropriateness of his actions. The court also reviewed footage from Odusanya’s police interview, during which he admitted to being concerned about the age difference and acknowledged the highly sexualized behavior of the girl, which was unusual for her age.

As a result of his conviction, Richard Odusanya was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to register as a sex offender for life, a measure intended to protect the community from any future offenses. The case has raised serious concerns about the abuse of trust by individuals in caregiving roles and highlights the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable young people in the Harborne area and beyond.