Croydon sex offender caught with more than 4,000 images and videos of children

A child sex offender has been jailed following a two-year investigation. Tyler Charter was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for arranging or facilitating a child sex offense and possessing indecent images of children.

A “wide-ranging investigation” was launched by Metropolitan Police officers in June 2022, with information from the National Crime Agency (NCA) pointing to the 35-year-old as a key suspect in looking after young children. The two-year investigation saw lead investigator, Detective Constable Nikki Jones, identify and classify incriminating images discovered on Charter’s phone.

The investigative team analyzed data from Charter’s Telegram account, including 4,233 images and videos of children. In addition, officers discovered conversations about the abuse of young children, some as young as three years old. The court heard how officers built a case against Charter by examining the chats, which showed a willingness to commit horrific acts, including raping children.

After being sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday 23 May, DC Jones said: “Our work is crucial in preventing dangerous, high-risk predators from targeting, grooming and sexually abusing vulnerable children in our society. This successful operation serves as a testament to Met officers’ dedication to using data and technology to serve and protect our communities.

“Saving children and preventing these horrific crimes is a top priority and we continue to work with parents and carers to help children spot the signs of online grooming or exploitation.”

Officers arrested Charter at his address in Croydon in September 2022. During the arrest, he was seen trying to dispose of evidence from his devices before officers quickly intervened and seized them. Charter, of Windsor House, Croydon, was found guilty during an appearance at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on February 29, 2024.

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