SIMON HAYDEN-RENO AND SEXUAL OFFENCES IN LONDON
A man identified as Simon John Hayden-Reno has been found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences committed against a young child in London.The conviction was delivered following a trial at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, May 25, which confirmed his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Simon Hayden-Reno, aged 28 and residing on Cudham Drive in New Addington, was convicted of one count of raping a girl under the age of 13.
Prior to this conviction, Hayden-Reno had already pleaded guilty to an additional 13 charges related to the sexual exploitation and abuse of this child.
Among the offences for which he pleaded guilty are three counts of assaulting a girl under 13 by penetration, six counts of producing indecent photographs of a child, three counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity, and a single count of touching a girl under 13 for sexual purposes.
Despite the extensive charges, Hayden-Reno was acquitted of a second count of raping a girl under 13.
The crimes in question took place predominantly within a residential setting in New Addington between the years 2017 and 2018.
Investigations revealed that Hayden-Reno was known to his young victim, but he was not related to her.
He exploited opportunities to be alone with the girl, thus facilitating the abuse.
The victim, who was under ten years old at the time, eventually confided in her mother about the abuse on October 4, 2018.
This disclosure prompted an immediate police investigation led by detectives from the South Area Child Abuse Investigation Team.
Following her report, law enforcement officers swiftly arrested Hayden-Reno on Sunday, October 7, 2018.
During police interviews, he denied any wrongdoing.
Throughout the investigation, special officers and professional support agencies worked closely to assist the young girl and her family, recognizing the vulnerability and trauma experienced by the victim.
A comprehensive forensic search of Hayden-Reno’s mobile phone was conducted, which uncovered indecent images of children, providing crucial evidence that supported the case.
On May 5, Hayden-Reno was formally charged with the offences he was convicted of.
Detective Constable Heidi Lee, the lead investigator, expressed her thoughts on the case, stating: “Firstly I want to pay tribute to the very young victim and her family.
It took a great deal of courage for this child to come forward and talk about the abuse she had suffered.
But thanks to her, and her family’s bravery, this man has been convicted.
I would like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual crime to come forward and speak to police; they will be supported and their voice too can be heard.” She added, “As for Hayden-Reno, he took advantage of his proximity to a very young girl to exploit her.
He is a sexual predator, and I am glad he has been convicted.
He now faces a long prison sentence, which is thoroughly deserved.”
