KEITH EDUN SENTENCED IN CROYDON FOR CHILD SEX OFFENCES AND ONLINE ABUSE

A comprehensive investigation conducted by the Metropolitan Police has culminated in the sentencing of a dangerous sex offender, Keith Edun, who resides in Croydon. The case, which involved extensive digital forensic analysis and meticulous inquiries, has resulted in Edun receiving a 21-year prison term for a series of heinous crimes involving the exploitation and abuse of children.

Keith Edun, aged 47 and born on November 12, 1976, appeared before Croydon Crown Court on Friday, February 14. The court heard how Edun was convicted of encouraging the rape and sexual assault of a baby, as well as the distribution of indecent images of children. In addition, he was found guilty of two counts of making indecent images of children and perverting the course of justice. The severity of his crimes and the evidence presented during the trial underscored the grave threat he posed to vulnerable minors.

Detective Constable Phill Govett, who led the investigation, emphasized the dangerous nature of Edun’s offending. He stated, “Keith Edun has proven himself to be a dangerous sexual offender and a clear risk to children.” The detective detailed how Edun went to great lengths to conceal his illicit activities, including deleting a messaging application from his phone just before officers arrived to search his residence. This act of attempted cover-up was part of a broader pattern of efforts to hide his online and offline misconduct.

The investigation, which began in 2021, was spearheaded by specialists in tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation. Authorities were alerted to the presence of indecent images of children being shared via the social media platform Kik. The account linked to Edun’s Croydon address was identified as the source of these images. A warrant was executed at his home in September 2021, during which electronic devices were seized. Subsequent digital forensic analysis revealed that Edun had been actively downloading and then deleting content on Kik to evade detection, demonstrating a calculated attempt to conceal his online activities.

Further investigations by another police force uncovered a disturbing connection to a separate case involving the rape of a baby in March 2020. During the examination of the devices belonging to a male suspect convicted of that crime, authorities discovered online communications with Edun’s Kik account. In these exchanges, Edun had encouraged the male to commit the assault, further illustrating his involvement in facilitating child abuse.

Following these findings, Edun was formally charged in October 2023 and remanded into custody. His court appearance on February 14 resulted in a significant sentence: 13 years in prison, with an extended license period of eight years, reflecting his classification as a dangerous offender. Additionally, Edun was subjected to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. The judge highlighted the extensive and persistent sexual interest Edun exhibited towards children, particularly infants, over a prolonged period, and emphasized the substantial risk he continues to pose.

DC Govett concluded by praising the dedication of the Metropolitan Police’s Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Command. He remarked, “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.”