Walthamstow child sex monster jailed for 31 years in horrific grooming case

A former foster carer from Walthamstow has been sentenced to 31 years in prison after being convicted of 22 sexual offences against five children, in a case that prosecutors described as involving years of calculated grooming and exploitation within his local community.

Bradley Dilsworth, 69, of Phoenix Close, Walthamstow, was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court today following his conviction at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 21 May.

The offences spanned 2002 to 2009 and involved victims aged between seven and 16 at the time. One girl was just seven years old when abused, while another was 13 when she was manipulated into believing she was in a consensual relationship with him.

The court heard how Dilsworth, who presented himself as a friendly neighbour, invited children into his home after school, where he allowed them to smoke and drink alcohol to lower their inhibitions and facilitate abuse.

Evidence showed he repeatedly exploited his position of trust in the Walthamstow area. His defence,  that the children were visiting his son of similar age, was rejected by the jury, who accepted the prosecution’s case of a clear pattern of grooming.

Dilsworth’s offending came to light after one victim came forward to police in November 2023. Metropolitan Police detectives launched an investigation, leading to his arrest in November 2024 and charging in April 2025. As the probe continued, officers identified and supported two additional victims.

A search of his home, the same property where much of the abuse occurred, uncovered more than 100 digital devices, including hard drives and USBs containing indecent images, along with internal CCTV footage that corroborated victims’ accounts. Victims also provided detailed floor plans of the house that matched the property layout.

Detective Inspector James Rush, who led the investigation, praised the courage of the victims.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Rush added that the victims’ bravery had been “crucial in securing this long sentence today” and expressed hope that the outcome would encourage others affected by sexual abuse to come forward.

Prior to the offending period, Dilsworth had worked as a registered foster carer in the 1980s, fostering two children. Police are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have had contact with him in his roles as a builder or lorry driver, or who attended school in Walthamstow.

With legal proceedings now concluded, the Metropolitan Police have issued a public appeal for anyone else who believes they may have been a victim of Dilsworth to contact them. Potential victims may have visited him at addresses including Phoenix Close in Walthamstow, as well as previous homes in Grove Green Road (Leyton), Bulwer Court Road (Leytonstone), or Roberts Road (Walthamstow).

Officers emphasised that specialist support is available through police and partner organisations. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 5076/25JUN26, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.