A South Norwood pastor who would blindfold children before hitting them with belts and wires has avoided jail.

Rose Amadasun, 49, of Beauchamp Road, was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months at Croydon Crown Court on August 9.

She had admitted five counts of child cruelty at a previous hearing.

On Saturday, August 2, 2015 police were called by the manager of South Norwood Leisure Centre stating that two members of the public had informed her they had witnessed the female leader of a church group hitting children with a belt.

Officers spoke to the members of the public who stated they had seen a group of children being assaulted by a woman with a belt and shouting "Jesus" as she did so.

An investigation by detectives from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command revealed that Amadasun had been abusing children she came into contact with through her work for a number of years.

As well as blindfolding the children and beating them, she was found to also shake them when they made a noise and force them to fast for a number of days at a time.

She was also ordered to complete 150 hours' unpaid work and take part in rehabilitation activities for up to 25 days.

Detective Constable Giles Weeden, the investigating officer, said: "This was a complex enquiry that was often met with resistance as the congregation closed ranks to protect their religious leader. The investigation highlights the risks that children can face in all areas of their lives and that the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command will thoroughly investigate all and any allegation without prejudice in order to protect children."