Predator Behind Bars: Man jailed for 28 years for sustained campaign of abuse against young girl




In Hackney, a man who groomed, manipulated, and sexually abused a young girl is now behind bars following a thorough investigation by the Metropolitan Police.


Anthony Maina, born on May 21, 1971, and residing at Allen Road, Stoke Newington, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison. The verdict was delivered at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday, September 21.

Maina was found guilty of 17 offenses on May 18, including seven counts of rape, eight counts of assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

Detective Constable Stefan Wimmer from the Central North Command Unit worked diligently alongside the survivor and her family for three years to build a case against Maina. 

He expressed, "As the investigating officer, I can honestly say that this is one of the most repugnant instances of psychological manipulation and sexual abuse I've encountered in my policing career. It's deeply disturbing that individuals like Maina exist."

The survivor approached her local police station in December 2018 to report the unbearable sexual abuse she had been enduring. Immediate measures were taken to ensure her safety, and an extensive investigation was launched. This complex inquiry involved numerous intricate and time-consuming inquiries.


Maina, who held a position of trust, exploited his role to groom the survivor and commit heinous sexual offenses. He showered her with gifts, clothing, food, and mobile phones in an attempt to gain her loyalty. 

He also attempted to normalize the abuse by referring to her as 'his girl' and his 'best friend in the universe.' If she didn't contact him for more than a day, he accused her of 'neglecting' him, and if she spent time with peers her age, he labeled them as a 'bad influence.'

Maina's ultimate aim was to isolate the survivor from everyone around her and erode her confidence to prevent her from questioning his actions.

DC Wimmer added, "Consistently, Maina displayed no remorse throughout the investigation. He even tried to discredit the survivor during interviews, labeling her a 'troublemaker.'"

However, the survivor demonstrated immense patience, courage, and resolve from the moment she approached the police. DC Wimmer expressed his admiration, stating, "It's because of her bravery and assistance that Maina is now incarcerated. I hope this sentence brings her some peace, and in time, she can move past this horrific chapter of her life."


The survivor herself wanted to convey this message: "To all survivors enduring any form of abuse, I encourage you to come forward because I didn't believe I'd achieve this outcome, but I did. Now that he's sentenced, he'll be in prison for many years, and I won't have to endure him anymore. Don't feel afraid; you just need to be patient and strong. It will lift a heavy burden off your shoulders."

Detective Superintendent Charmaine Laurencin of the Met's Central North Command Unit expressed her immense pride in the investigating officer's dedication and commitment to this complex and distressing case. 

She emphasized, "Thanks to their persistence and care for the survivor, a dangerous predator is now behind bars. We will listen to and support anyone who has suffered abuse, regardless of how long ago it occurred. Specialized teams with specific training are available to work with you and investigate."

Meanwhile, in a recent court document, Alex Murdaugh, convicted of a double murder, claims that he only found out about alleged jury tampering after receiving two life sentences for the tragic shooting of his wife and son. See detailed story here

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