Former foster carer sentenced to 30 years for systematic abuse
Bradley Dilsworth, 69, has been jailed for 30 years after being convicted of 22 child sex offences committed between 2002 and 2010. The former foster carer drugged and raped young girls, including a victim aged between five and eight, at his home in Walthamstow, north-east London.
Dilsworth, who also worked as a lorry driver, lulled his victims into a false sense of security, according to the Metropolitan Police. Prosecutor Emma Fielding told Isleworth Crown Court that he systematically groomed, abused, and raped the children.
Victims recall devastating impact
One survivor who gave a personal impact statement said: "As a child you're not meant to be exposed to any intimate relationships or understand what it is supposed to be. Unfortunately I was forced too soon to be a part of that world. I feel disgusting, I feel dirty, some days I want to scrub myself raw in the shower to wash it all away." She added: "He was the beginning of it all, the start of a traumatic childhood and a difficult early adulthood – the years I spent under his control shaped my life afterwards."
Judge Edward Franklin noted the lack of remorse from Dilsworth, who contested all charges. The judge stated: "I have heard the moving victim personal statements. They disclosed the effect of your offending on all aspects of their life, over many years – what you did has had a devastating effect upon them."
Details of the offences
Dilsworth allowed children to smoke cannabis and drink alcohol at his home. Two victims were unconscious when attacked. One girl was drugged and raped at age 10, and the abuse continued regularly until she was 14 or 15. The judge described this as a campaign of rape. Another victim witnessed the abuse and was later pressured into sex at age 14. She believed she was in a relationship with Dilsworth until age 17, and he raped her regularly. On one occasion, Dilsworth used this victim to force a girl aged five to eight to perform a sex act. A fourth victim, aged 14 or 15, was drugged and raped; when confronted, Dilsworth called it a beautiful thing and suggested they do it more often.
Investigation and evidence
Police launched an investigation after a victim came forward in November 2024. Dilsworth was arrested in April 2025 and charged with multiple non-recent sexual offences. Investigators traced two additional victims who had not come forward. A search of his home revealed an "Aladdin's cave" of electronic devices, including hard drives, discs, and USB sticks. Internal CCTV footage from cameras around the house uncovered years of offending.
Detective Inspector James Rush said: "Dilsworth is a manipulative and predatory offender who exploited children for his own sexual gratification." Police believe there may be more victims.
Sentencing and compensation
Dilsworth, who sat in a wheelchair during the hearing, was ordered to pay £23,500 each to two victims for psychological harm. He had £47,000 in his bank account. The judge concluded: "You derived satisfaction from sexual and emotionally dominating your victims."
