Children's mentor jailed over historical child sexual abuse offences

A south London children's mentor has been handed an 8 year prison term for multiple sexual assault offences against former students following a Met Police investigation into historic child sexual abuse dating back more than two decades.

On Monday, 15 December 2025, a jury at Isleworth Crown Court found Emem Udaw, 51 (28/01/1975), of Knollmead, Tolworth, guilty of 14 counts of indecent assault on a girl under 16. He was sentenced on Thursday, 29 January at the same court where he was sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment.

The offences relate to five victims, all in their early teens at the time, and took place at Holland Park Secondary School between 2002 and 2004 where Udaw worked as a children's mentor.

Detective Constable Sandy Whysall, who led the investigation, said: “Udaw spent years presenting himself as someone who supported and guided children, yet behind that image, he was deliberately targeting young girls who trusted him. His behaviour was calculated, exploitative and carried out in places where these victims should have felt safe.

“Today’s sentencing outcomes shows that time is never a barrier to justice. However long ago the abuse took place, we will investigate every report with the same determination and care.

“I also want to recognise the remarkable courage shown by the women in this case. Their willingness to speak out has not only delivered justice for themselves, but has also helped safeguard others from being harmed.”

The case first came to light in 2019, when a victim posted in a closed social media group about inappropriate behaviour by a former school employee. Several women recognised the description and privately shared similar experiences, which ultimately led to three victims reporting the abuse to the police in January 2020.

Two further victims came forward in August and November 2020, prompting additional interviews with Udaw. Despite denying all allegations and claiming he acted as a role model. Udaw was charged with 21 offences on 1 July 2024.

Investigators revealed that Udaw exploited his mentoring role to isolate victims during one-on-one sessions. He encouraged them to skip lessons, took them to empty classrooms, and sometimes locked doors.

He made sexualised comments, asked personal questions, and then touched victims under the guise of comfort—in intimate areas and kissed them. He also forced victims to sit on his lap. These acts were carried out repeatedly, often during school hours, and under the pretext of providing emotional support.

The Met is prioritising the safety of women and girls and is relentlessly targeting offenders to secure justice for victims of violence. As part of our victim-first approach, the Met has rolled out new bespoke training on VAWG to 23,000 officers and staff. This training is strengthening officer skills to investigate these crimes, support those reporting, and deliver better outcomes for victims and survivors.

Anyone with information or wishing to report offences relating to Udaw can call 101 quoting Op RoseQuartz, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For confidential help, the 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line offers free phone and online chat for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales: 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.