'Predatory' sexual abuser who carried out more than 200 assaults on two victims jailed

A “predatory” sexual abuser has been jailed for carrying out more than 200 assaults on two women over a 25-year period.

James “Tony” Lee, 67, was sentenced to 20 years in jail at Snaresbrook Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to 28 counts of sexual abuse, which included rape, buggery and indecent assault.

One of Lee’s victims was seven years old when the abuse began, while the other was under 16, the court heard.

Lee carried out the abuse between 1975 and 2000 at various locations in east London, police said in a statement.

Video tapes that Lee used to record the abuse were found in a safe at his home in Purfleet, Essex, following his arrest on 15 February of this year.

His crimes only came to light after one of the victims reported the abuse earlier in the month.

Thanks to the woman’s testimony, and through “diligent and thorough" enquiries by investigating officers, police were able to identify the second victim.

Lee was charged on 14 March and pleaded guilty to his offences on 1 June.

Acting detective inspector Jason Keen, of the Met Police’s sexual offences command, said: “Lee is a predatory and self-serving individual, who subjected his victims to systematic abuse over a number of years, inflicting untold trauma and misery.

“It’s difficult to imagine the cumulative impact of such prolonged abuse, and I am just grateful the victims were able to find the courage to detail their experience to officers.

“I’m pleased that their bravery, combined with the hard work and determination of officers has paid off with this sentence.

“We believe there may well be other victims of Lee, and would encourage anyone who wants to report information to contact us. All allegations will be treated with the utmost sensitivity and in confidence.”