A 47-year-old man from Croydon, Keith Edun, has been handed a 21-year prison sentence for his involvement in encouraging the rape and sexual assault of a baby, as reported in the local newspaper. The sentencing took place at Croydon Crown Court, where Edun faced charges including encouraging the rape of a minor, distribution of indecent images of children, making indecent images of children, and perverting the course of justice. The severity of his crimes and the danger he poses to children were highlighted by Detective Constable Phil Govett, the investigating officer for the case.
Uncovering a Dangerous Offender
DC Govett emphasized that Keith Edun’s actions revealed him as a dangerous sexual offender with a clear threat to children. Edun’s attempts to conceal his criminal behavior were evident when he deleted a messaging app from his phone upon the arrival of officers to search his residence. The investigative process involved complex digital forensic analysis of the disturbing material found on Edun’s phone, ultimately leading to his incarceration for an extended period to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.
An investigation into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children was initiated in 2021, following reports of indecent images of children being shared on the social media app ‘Kik’. The account linked to Edun’s address prompted a search warrant in September 2021, resulting in the seizure of electronic devices. Analysis of the data revealed Edun’s pattern of downloading and deleting ‘Kik’ to evade detection of his online activities, indicating a deliberate effort to conceal his involvement in criminal acts.
Justice Served for Innocent Victims
A separate probe by law enforcement led to the conviction of another individual for the rape of a baby in March 2020. Subsequent examination of the perpetrator’s devices uncovered online interactions with Edun’s Kik account, where Edun had actively encouraged the heinous act of rape. Edun was formally charged in October 2023 and placed in custody pending trial, which culminated in his recent sentencing to 13 years in prison with an additional eight-year license period due to his classification as a dangerous offender.
During the sentencing, Edun was also subjected to a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated registration on the Sex Offenders Register for life. The presiding judge remarked on the substantial evidence pointing to Edun’s prolonged and unwavering sexual interest in children, particularly infants, underscoring the significant risk he posed to minors. DC Govett reinforced the message that individuals like Edun, who incite and enable crimes against children through online platforms, bear equal responsibility for the devastating impact of their actions.
As the case of Keith Edun unfolds in the public eye, it serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to safeguard children from predators who lurk in the shadows of cyberspace. The diligent work of law enforcement in uncovering and prosecuting individuals like Edun is essential in upholding justice and protecting the most vulnerable members of society. May this outcome bring some measure of closure and reassurance to the innocent victims of such heinous crimes, and may it serve as a deterrent to others who seek to perpetrate harm against our children.
