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.
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.”
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