Golders Green Orthodox Jewish man jailed for repeated sexual assault of girl aged 14
Menachem Levy, 41, of Princes Park Avenue, was jailed for three years at Wood Green Crown Court for repeatedly sexually assaulting a girl over a period of six years - Credit: Archant
A Golders Green man who repeatedly sexually assaulted a girl over a period of six years has today been jailed for three years.
Menachem Levy, 41, of Princes Park Avenue, was found guilty in May of indecent assault of a female under the age of 16 following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court.
Levy first targeted the victim, who was 14 when the abuse began, when he visited her family home in Hendon in December 1999.
He then subjected her to a series of sexual assaults at other locations, including Levy’s home address, until December 2005.
Throughout the ordeal, Levy constantly told the girl that she was to blame for the abuse and that if she told anyone she would get into trouble.
Both Levy and the victim are members of the Orthodox Jewish community.
In September 2010 the victim wrote Levy a letter asking him to openly admit and apologise to her in front of a Rabbi and her family but Levy refused to do so.
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The victim found the courage to report the crimes to police in May 2011 and detectives from the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation.
Levy was arrested at his home in July 2011 and was charged in April the following year.
Det Con Alistair Woods, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: “The victim has shown a tremendous amount of courage to come forward and give a detailed account of the abuse she suffered by Levy.
“No one should suffer in silence - I would urge anyone who is a victim to come and speak to us and let us help you.
“Specially trained officers will support you, and thoroughly investigate your claims.
“Menachem Levy abused his victim on numerous occasions - he also abused the trust of a close-knit community.
“This sentencing demonstrates that the courts will prosecute those who prey on vulnerable people, irrespective of their background or status.
“I hope today’s sentencing can offer some kind of closure to the victim and her family.”
Levy was found guilty of two counts of indecent assault on a female and not guilty of seven other counts.
He will be on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period and was disqualified from working with children.
