Investigators have appealed for other potential victim-survivors to come forward

A former foster carer from Walthamstow has been sentenced to 31 years in prison, having been convicted in May of numerous non-recent sexual offences against children. The conviction came after an extensive Met investigation, with specialist officers supporting the brave victim-survivors who reported him.

Bradley Dilsworth, 69 (15.03.1957) of Phoenix Close, Walthamstow, was convicted of 22 counts of child sex offending on Thursday, 21 May at Snaresbrook Crown Court. His convictions relate to offences committed against five victims, one of whom was as young as seven at the time.

Bradley Dilsworth’s offending spanned over several years between 2002 and 2009, during which those he preyed on were aged between seven and 16. Evidence presented in court showed that he repeatedly exploited his position as a trusted adult within the Walthamstow community, presenting himself as a friendly and approachable neighbour.

The court heard that Dilsworth would invite children into his home after school, allowing them to smoke and drink alcohol. This environment was deliberately used to lower their inhibitions and create opportunities for abuse.

One stand-out aspect of the case involved Dilsworth’s manipulation of one victim, who believed she was in a genuine relationship with him. She was just 13 when she met Dilsworth and it was only when she was much older that she came to understand she had been a victim.

Another offence was committed against a girl aged just seven who was staying at Dilsworth’s house with her parents at the time.

As part of his defence, Dilsworth claimed that the children who spent time at his home were visiting his son, who was of a similar age to them. However, this explanation was rejected by the jury, who found the evidence demonstrated a clear pattern of grooming and abuse.

Prior to his offending Dilsworth was a registered foster carer and is known to have fostered two children during the 1980s.

Detective Inspector James Rush, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to thank the victims in this case for the immense courage they have shown in coming forward to report the abuse they suffered.

“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. For the victim-survivors, speaking about their experiences many years later is incredibly difficult, and their bravery has been crucial in securing this long sentence today.

“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.”

The investigation

Met detectives launched an investigation after a victim bravely came forward to police to tell their story in November 2023.

After conducting in-depth interviews with this victim and others, officers first arrested Dilsworth in November 2024. He was charged with a long list of non-recent sexual offences in April 2025 after investigators worked tirelessly to build a case against him. When arrested, Dilsworth was still living in the same house where his offending had taken place.

As the investigation progressed, detectives traced two further victims who hadn’t come forward previously. These victims made further reports and Dilsworth was ultimately charged with offences against them too.

As part of their investigation, detectives searched Dilsworth’s home in Walthamstow and uncovered an “Aladdin’s cave” of electrical devices. Over 100 digital exhibits were seized, including hard drives, discs and USB devices. Internal CCTV footage from cameras positioned around the house was also recovered. These devices revealed years of offending, with devices showing indecent images of one of the victims. During interviews with police, victims provided detailed floor plans of the property that closely matched the layout of the house, further corroborating their accounts.

Appeal

To protect the integrity of ongoing legal proceedings after Bradley Dilsworth was first charged with offences, detectives have not been able to publicly appeal for further potential victim-survivors until now.

The Metropolitan Police Service is now asking anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of Dilsworth to come forward and speak with police.

Specialist officers work closely with victim-survivors to seek justice and are available to offer support and signpost to external partners, so they can get help.

Officers are keeping an open mind about the identities of unidentified victim-survivors, but are particularly keen to hear from women who attended school in Walthamstow or recognise Dilsworth from his days as a foster carer, builder or lorry driver.

Victim-survivors may have visited Dilsworth at his house on Phoenix Close, Walthamstow, or prior addresses in Grove Green Road, Leyton, Bulwer Court Road, Leytonstone, or Roberts Road, Walthamstow.

Detective Inspector James Rush added: “We are determined to support all victim-survivors and are now asking anyone who believes they may have concerns about Dilsworth to please come forward. I want to reassure anyone impacted that you are not alone and can seek specialist support and guidance, not only from the police, but also from independent charities and services.”

Anyone with information or looking to report a potential crime is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting CAD 5076/25JUN26. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Offences

On Friday, 26 June at Isleworth Crown Court, Dilsworth was sentenced to a custodial sentence of 31 years for the following offences: