Predator with thousands of indecent images and videos of children locked up after two years of investigation

A predator has been jailed after police found thousands of indecent images of children and social media chatter about sexual abuse on social media.

Tyler Charter, 35, was jailed for six-and-a-half years at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday.

He was found guilty of arranging or facilitating a child sex offense and possessing indecent images of children.

A joint investigation by the Met and National Crime Agency over two years gathered the evidence to bring him to justice.

He was found with 4,233 indecent images and videos of children on his devices. Much of the evidence was recovered from his phone, the court heard.

Officers discovered online conversations discussing 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.

Detective Constable Nikki Jones, head of the inquiry, 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 the dedication of Met officers in 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 was found guilty during an appearance at Croydon Magistrates Court on 29 February 2024.