A child abuser has been convicted of grooming, sexually abusing and raping a young girl over several years.

Jose Bantina-Lubangusu, 53, of Wick Road, Hackney, was found guilty of rape, sexual assault and sexual touching of a child under the age of 13.

He was convicted following a two-week trial at Wood Green Crown Court on Thursday (December 21) where he will return to be sentenced on February 23. 

The court heard how Bantina-Lubangusu subjected the girl – who was known to him - to years of sexual abuse, culminating in an incident where he raped her in a Manchester hotel room in Sacha's Hotel in January 2022.

The girl was 12 when the sexual abuse started and 16 when she was raped, Scotland Yard said.

Throughout this time, Bantina-Lubangusu groomed the girl, including occasionally leaving money in her shoes and then claiming she could pay it back by having sex with him.

The girl confided in her sister about the abuse and in December 2022 a report was made to police.

Bantina-Lubangusu was arrested, and detectives began to compile evidence.

After being charged and despite damning evidence he chose to plead not guilty and a trial took place.

Detective Constable Hannah Burgess, from the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “The bravery this young woman has shown throughout is commendable.

"It is due to her that Jose Bantina-Lubangusu has been put before the court and made to face the consequences of his disgusting and evil crimes.

“Throughout the investigation, detectives have built a comprehensive case against Bantina-Lubangusu while keeping this young woman at the heart of our work.

"I hope seeing him convicted can offer her a small degree of comfort and relief during what has been an extremely difficult time for her."