Admin I Friday,November 07,2024
LONDON – Diego Solarte, a taekwondo coach has been sentenced to nine year imprisonment for multiple sexual offences on two young girls who were his students.
He was sentenced by London Crown Court on Thursday following investigation into the sexual abuse suffered by two young girls, unknown to each other.
The taekwondo coach preyed on the children in their own home and during group classes.
Following a trial at Inner London Crown Court, on Thursday, 7 November Diego Solarte, 44 of Studley Road, Stockwell got the deserved punishment.
The horrific nature of these crimes, which took place between 2018 and 2021, have left a profound impact on the victims, their families, and the wider community.
The court heard heart-breaking testimonies which revealed the grooming, manipulation and betrayal experienced by these young individuals, who sought sports mentorship from someone in a position of trust.
Their bravery in coming forward has been crucial in ensuring justice is served.
Detective Constable Mel Jordan, from the Met’s Child Abuse Team, who led the investigation, said:
“I want to acknowledge the bravery of the victim-survivors, whose courage has been unwavering throughout this process, especially considering their young age. Coming forward is not only a tribute to their strength, but serves as a sign to any other victims, that they will be listened to and supported.
“Solarte used his position and trust of the victims’ families to take advantage of young girls in both in public classes and private settings, where they should have been at their safest.
“We understand that this case will have shaken the local and Taekwondo community.
Safeguarding children is our top priority. If you or someone you know has been groomed or sexually abused, please come forward. You are not alone, and there are officers ready to support you.”
The first victim-survivor came forward while Solarte was employed by the family as a Taekwondo instructor. She reported serious sexual assaults to the police in September 2021.
Shortly after Solarte was arrested and interviewed by specialist Met detectives, he said the children did not want to do Taekwondo anymore and that they had made up the allegation so that they no longer had to do it.
A second victim-survivor bravely came forward to police while the first investigation was still active.
She reported to her school counsellor that Solarte had touched her inappropriately.
Solarte was arrested for a second time on 30 May 2022 and interviewed by police and said the victim had fabricated the sexual assault allegation against him.
In interviews with specially trained Met detectives Solarte stated he had never touched the victim inappropriately and that he was not sexually interested in children.
The families of the victim-survivors made a joint statement:
“We are eternally grateful to the officers who worked tirelessly to bring justice for our children. We would encourage anyone who is in a similar situation of being a victim, supporting a victim or being a witness of abuse to come forward to the police.
“In a truly dark moment of our children’s lives, Detective Constable Jordan’s compassion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of the truth gave us a way forwards. The abuse our children have experienced has left a wound that will never fully heal, but knowing that justice has been served, and there are incredible officers protecting the safety of others, brings us comfort.
“Detective Constable Jordan did not only seek justice—but created a platform for our children to have a voice and speak out against abuse.
We thank wholeheartedly each and every member of the team and the lead investigator, Detective Constable Mel Jordan, for their work and professionalism throughout this ordeal.”
