Dangerous sexual predator jailed for offences against children.

A meticulous Met Police investigation has led to a dangerous sex offender being sentenced to 21 years in prison. Keith Edun, 47, of Strathmore Road, Croydon, appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, February 14th, where he was convicted of encouraging the rape and sexual assault of a baby, distribution of indecent images of children, two counts of making indecent images of children, and perverting the course of justice.

Detective Constable Phill Govett, the investigating officer for the case, stated: “Keith Edun has proven himself to be a dangerous sexual offender and a clear risk to children. Edun went to great lengths to hide his offending, even deleting a messaging app from his phone before answering the front door to officers ready to search his address.

This complex investigation involved meticulous inquiries and digital forensic examination of the disturbing material found on Edun's phone. The fact that Edun will now be behind bars for a long time means he cannot harm any more vulnerable children.”

An investigation was launched in 2021 by detectives specializing in tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Police were alerted to indecent images of children being posted on the social media app 'Kik', which was linked to Edun's address in Croydon. A warrant was executed in September 2021, seizing electrical devices from which officers downloaded data showing Edun downloading and deleting 'Kik' in an attempt to conceal his online activity.

A separate investigation by another force led to the conviction of a male for the rape of a baby in March 2020. Examination of that male’s devices revealed online communication with Edun's Kik account during which Edun encouraged the male to commit the rape.

Edun was charged in October 2023 and remanded into custody. He appeared at Croydon Crown Court on February 14th, where he was sentenced to 13 years in custody with an extended licence period of eight years following his assessment as a dangerous offender. He was also issued with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The judge stated that the evidence shows a determined and committed sexual interest in children, especially babies, over an extended period, and that Edun poses a significant risk of harm to children. DC Govett added: “This investigation is an example of the dedication of the Met’s Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Command to keep vulnerable children safe across the UK. Despite Edun not being physically present at the rape, this sentencing shows that those who encourage such offences online are just as culpable for the harm caused.”