Former foster carer Bradley Dilsworth, 69, has been sentenced to 31 years in prison for sexually abusing children as young as seven over a seven-year period. He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on June 26 after being convicted of 22 child sex offences at Snaresbrook Crown Court in May.
Abuse Spanned Seven Years
The abuse took place between 2002 and 2009, with victims aged between seven and 16. Dilsworth, of Phoenix Close, Walthamstow, exploited his position as a trusted adult in the community, presenting himself as a friendly neighbour before grooming and abusing children. The court heard he regularly invited children into his home after school, allowing them to smoke and drink alcohol to lower their inhibitions and create opportunities for abuse.
One victim believed she was in a genuine relationship with Dilsworth; she was just 13 when she met him and only later realised she had been abused. Another offence involved a girl who was only seven while staying at Dilsworth's home with her parents.
Investigation and Arrest
The Metropolitan Police investigation began after one victim came forward in November 2023. Following in-depth interviews, detectives arrested Dilsworth in November 2024 at the same Walthamstow house where the abuse occurred. He was charged in April 2025 after months of building the case.
During searches, officers seized over 100 digital exhibits, including hard drives and USB devices, and recovered internal CCTV footage that revealed years of offending, including indecent images of one victim. Victims provided detailed floor plans that matched the property layout, corroborating their accounts.
Convictions and Sentence
Dilsworth was convicted of offences against five victims, including multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, indecency, and taking indecent photographs. The full list includes two counts of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, two counts of indecency, two counts of rape of a girl under 13, five counts of rape of a girl aged 13-15, one count of arranging a child sex offence, one count of attempting to arrange a child sex offence, four counts of rape of a girl aged 13-15, one count of sexual assault by penetration, one count of rape of a girl aged 13-15, one count of rape of a girl under 13, and two counts of taking indecent photographs.
Police Appeal for Further Victims
Detective Inspector James Rush praised the victims' courage, saying: "Undetected for years, Dilsworth was able to abuse children in what my team uncovered to be a hellish afterschool club, lulling young people into a false sense of security and exploiting their trust." He added: "I hope this outcome provides some comfort to anyone affected by sexual abuse and sends a clear message that the Met will continue to pursue offenders and seek justice, no matter how long ago abuse occurred."
Police are appealing for anyone who may have been a victim or who recognises Dilsworth from his time as a foster carer, builder, or lorry driver to come forward. Specialist officers are available to support survivors and help them access independent charities and services.
