Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
A meticulous Met Police investigation has today ensured that a dangerous sex offender has been given a 21-year sentence.
Keith Edun, 47 (12. 11.1976) of Strathmore Road, Croydon appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 14 February, where he was jailed for 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, investigating officer for the case said:
“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 has consisted of meticulous enquiries and digital forensic examination of the disturbing material that Edun held on his 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 by detectives specialising in tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in 2021. Police were informed that indecent images of children had been posted on the social media app ‘Kik’.
The account was linked to Edun’s address in Croydon and a warrant was executed in September 2021. Electrical devices were seized and officers downloaded data showing that Edun had been downloading and then deleting ‘Kik’ in an attempt to hide his online activity.
A separate investigation by another force led to the conviction of a male for the rape of a baby which occurred in March 2020. Upon examination of that male’s devices the investigating officers located online communication with Edun’s Kik account during which Edun had encouraged the male to commit the rape.
Edun was charged in October 2023 and was remanded into custody.
He appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 14 February 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 said 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.”