Latest Offenders Croydon

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A man has been jailed for raping a woman in Croydon, as Metropolitan Police investigating officers appeal for more potential victims to come forward.

John Iwuh, 54 (21.06.1971) of Albert Road, South Norwood appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 11 July where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison. He will also be put on the sex offenders register for life, a restraining order was issued to prevent him from contacting the victim and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was enforced.

He was previously found guilty of rape and voyeurism on Wednesday, 14 May at Croydon Crown Court.

The court heard how he used his job as a nurse to gain the trust of the victim on the dating app Hinge, before luring her to his home and raping her.

He was arrested and charged by Met officers, who found that he had also videoed the rape. He was then further charged with voyeurism.

Detective Inspector Sharad Verma, from the South Area Command Unit, said: 

“I would like to commend the strength of the victim-survivor who bravely reported this awful attack and for her strength throughout this investigation.

“Officers were dedicated in bringing this predator to justice and during the investigation, found that Iwuh had videoed the rape which was then used as evidence against him.

“They also discovered almost 11,000 contacts saved on his phone. Around 60 per cent of those were saved as a woman’s name alongside the name of a dating app.

“We believe there may be more victims out there, targeted by Iwuh under the same circumstances, and urge them to contact us or their local police force.

“I hope the victim-survivor can find reassurance in our actions to put this predator behind bars and that it may give more women the strength to come forward and report crimes. You will be listened to and supported.”

The victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said:

“This has had a devastating impact on every part of my life.

“Not only was I physically injured but it left me feeling emotionally numb and living in fear. The trauma from this affected my ability to work, relationships, and my health.

“Now he’s in prison, I do feel there has been some justice. I’ve been supported by officers throughout the investigation, and I would encourage others who have been harmed to come forward, report what has happened and get help and support.”

The offending

The court heard that Iwuh met the victim, who is in her 40s, through the dating app Hinge on Tuesday, 7 June 2022 and quickly moved their conversation to WhatsApp.

They arranged a date and met in person the following day, Wednesday, 8 June 2022, at Norwood Junction station.

Iwuh was working as a nurse and used his job to lure the victim back to his home in Albert Road, South Norwood, by saying that he was limited on time as had to get ready for work at a hospital.

Once inside the property, Iwuh repeatedly kept trying to kiss the victim to which she refused. As she tried to leave the property, Iwuh forced her into his bedroom and raped her.

The victim reported Iwuh the same evening to The Met using the online form and received support from specialist officers throughout the investigation.

If you would like to come forward and make a report relating to Iwuh, you can contact police via 101 or online.

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A man has been jailed for raping a 13-year-old girl following an investigation led by specialist detectives at the Metropolitan Police.

Sorosh Amini, 21 (14.11.2003), of Station Road, Croydon was sentenced to 7 years in prison on Friday, 27 June at Croydon Crown Court, after previously being convicted of rape and sexual assault.

He was also issued with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Amini was arrested and charged following a thorough investigation which utilised CCTV footage and specially trained forensic dogs to place him at the scene.

He left his home address in London the day after the offence. Officers then used phone data and CCTV to locate him in Liverpool and arrested him 5 days later.

Detective Inspector Donnett Oseni, who led the investigation, said:

“Amini’s attack on this vulnerable girl was predatory and calculated. He has demonstrated himself to be a dangerous sexual offender and this sentence prevents him from harming anyone else.

“I want to commend the victim for her courage in coming forward and reporting this offence to us. I hope today’s verdict will bring her and her family some semblance of closure.”

In August 2024, Amini approached the victim in broad daylight on North End Road in Croydon, persistently tried to engage her in conversation and would not leave her alone when told. He then followed her down North End Road and into an alleyway.

Here, he forcibly kissed her and tried to put a cannabis joint into her mouth. He also told her that he was friends with someone who recently stabbed a person in the area, making the victim scared that he may have a knife. Amini then raped her.

The victim reported the assault to police and received safeguarding and support from specialist officers.

Amini was convicted on Thursday, 1 January following a two-week trial at the same court.

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A meticulous Met Police investigation has today ensured that a dangerous sex offender has been given a 21-year sentence.

Keith Edun, 47 (12. 11.1976) of Strathmore Road, Croydon appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 14 February, where he was jailed for encouraging the rape and sexual assault of a baby, distribution of indecent images of children, two counts of making indecent images of children and perverting the course of justice.

Detective Constable Phill Govett, investigating officer for the case said:

“Keith Edun has proven himself to be a dangerous sexual offender and a clear risk to children.

“Edun went to great lengths to hide his offending, even deleting a messaging app from his phone before answering the front door to officers ready to search his address.

“This complex investigation has consisted of meticulous enquiries and digital forensic examination of the disturbing material that Edun held on his phone. The fact that Edun will now be behind bars for a long time, means he cannot harm any more vulnerable children.”

An investigation was launched by detectives specialising in tackling the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in 2021. Police were informed that indecent images of children had been posted on the social media app ‘Kik’.

The account was linked to Edun’s address in Croydon and a warrant was executed in September 2021. Electrical devices were seized and officers downloaded data showing that Edun had been downloading and then deleting ‘Kik’ in an attempt to hide his online activity.

A separate investigation by another force led to the conviction of a male for the rape of a baby which occurred in March 2020. Upon examination of that male’s devices the investigating officers located online communication with Edun’s Kik account during which Edun had encouraged the male to commit the rape.

Edun was charged in October 2023 and was remanded into custody.

He appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 14 February where he was sentenced to 13 years in custody with an extended licence period of eight years following his assessment as a dangerous offender. He was also issued with a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The judge said that the evidence shows a determined and committed sexual interest in children, especially babies, over an extended period and that Edun poses a significant risk of harm to children.

DC Govett added “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.”

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A “dangerous offender” has been jailed for 16 years for a series of “depraved and sickening” sex offences and rapes against children as young as four-years-old.

Grant Venamore was sentenced after he raped and abused two victims in Tunbridge Wells and Paddock Wood in incidents which began in the 1990s, when one of the victims was only four.

Sentencing Venamore yesterday (June 18) at Maidstone Crown Court, Judge Philip Statman branded him “a dangerous offender, who had been responsible for “persistent, violent sexual abuse”.

The 48-year-old was told he will have to serve at least two thirds of his prison sentence before he can be considered for parole.

Upon his eventual release from custody he will be the subject of an extended licence period of three years and an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.

Venamore was arrested in August 2020, when reports of abuse were first made to Kent Police.

A subsequent investigation revealed he was responsible for a catalogue of offences spanning more than 15 years.

Venamore, of London Road, Croydon, denied any wrongdoing and the case went to trial at Maidstone Crown Court where he was found guilty, by a unanimous verdict, of 11 counts relating to the sexual abuse of children, including multiple rapes.

Detective Constable Tania Muller, of the West Kent Child Protection Team, said: “Venamore repeatedly subjected his young victims to depraved and sickening abuse, causing incalculable damage upon their young lives.

“His actions have not only had a destructive effect upon their childhoods but will have sadly left a damaging and lasting impact on their adult lives.

“It has taken enormous strength and courage for these victims to come forward and provide the evidence and testimony needed to ensure Venamore has now faced justice for these abhorrent crimes.

“his sentence will ensure Venamore serves a long time in prison and importantly no longer poses a threat to any other children.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of any sexual offence to remember that it is never too late to report this to the police.

“We have a team of specialist officers who work relentlessly to ensure that offenders like Venamore do not evade justice, just because a crime may have happened a long time ago. We will always treat any information with the upmost confidence and sensitivity.”

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A Met cop has spoken out about her role in the investigation into a “horrific” case of child exploitation by a repeated sex offender.

Tyler Charter, of Windsor House, Croydon, is due to be sentenced today at Croydon Crown Court for arranging or facilitating a child sex offence and possession of images of children. 

Detective Constable Nikki Jones led the investigation into Charter after intelligence from the National Crime Agency (NCA) identified the 35-year-old as a key suspect in grooming young children in June 2022.  

Charter had previously been sentenced to seven years in prison in July 2018, but had been released on parole in May 2022.

DC Jones said: “We were flagged intelligence about Charter, who was known to police as a registered sex offender, which showed him discussing sexual offences and sharing videos with like-minded individuals on his Telegram account.”

Telegram is a messaging app you can access from multiple devices.

DC Jones arrested Charter at his address in Croydon in September 2022. During the arrest he was seen trying to dispose of evidence on his devices before officers stepped in and seized them. 

DC Jones said: “He resisted arrest and was restrained.

“When he was interviewed he became violent and answered “no comment” to all the questions we put to him.”

Charter’s phone was sent for analysis which revealed conversations between him and other Telegram users, detailing a desire to commit horrific acts, including rape towards minors in South London.

DC Jones said: “On his account we found 4,233 images and videos of children – many of which included Category A videos of young boys and babies.”

Category A defines images or videos involving penetrative sexual activity.

Officers also uncovered conversations discussing the abuse of young children, some as young as three years old, as well as exchanges of Charter arranging assaults on underage victims.  

DC Jones said: “Charter is a very dangerous man. Our work is crucial in preventing high-risk predators like him from targeting, grooming and sexually abusing vulnerable children in our society.” 

Charter was found guilty at Croydon Magistrates Court on February 29, 2024. 

Detective Inspector Peter Harvey, from the Met’s online child exploitation and specialist crime team, works alongside 70 staff members on 400 investigations at one time.

He said: “We have a proactive system that reacts to intelligence and victim reports as well as officers who engage with schools to educate teachers, parents and families about the warning signs for child exploitation.

“Warning signs include children becoming suddenly withdrawn, personality changes or unexplained gifts.

“It is important to have open conversations with your child so they are comfortable sharing any concerns. After these conversations it is important that concerns are reported to the police.”

In Feburary, a report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) – reviewed investigations by the Met into child exploitation.

Of the 244 cases it examined, 121 were rated inadequate, 80 as needing improvement and 43 were graded as good.

The Inspectorate said the Met had to fix these failings before it can get out of special measures. The inspectorate placed the force in special measures in June 2022.

Since the report, the Met said it has put more resources into the area and is retraining officers to have a better understanding of child exploitation.

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Michael Lai aged 61 collected vile pornography which showed children as young as nine being subjected to horrific abuse. 

He appeared at the Old Bailey Friday 4th August and pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing indecent images of children. 

When National Crime Agency officers raided Michael’s home on Castlemaine Avenue, Croydon, in November 2019 he confessed that he’d been downloading indecent images. 

He also told officers that a computer tower and three hard drives in his home belonged to his brother William, prosecutor Alice Holloway said.

An inspection of the devices revealed that they contained indecent images of children dating back to January 2015. 

A total of 35,101 images were attributed to Michael.

He added: “You must understand that those are images of real children being abused, children who will have to live knowing that those images are out there for the rest of their lives.” 

Judge Medland explained that the brothers had not been charged until March 2023 and that he was obliged to take that three-year delay into consideration when sentencing them. 

He said: “In coming to that decision I want nobody to think that this court doesn’t take this offence very seriously. It is disgusting and offensive and it must stop.

Michael will be on the sex offenders register for ten years and will be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.  He was fined £2,500.

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Moore, who was 21-year-old at the time of the offence had used Snapchat to contact the girl from the New Forest area who cannot be named for legal reasons.

He then drove across the country from his home in Station Road, Croydon to meet his victim who was accompanied by a friend.

The officer in the case, Detective Sergeant, Claire Ratcliffe told the Daily Echo how at first the girls thought Moore, 24, was "kind and funny".

However, at some point his victim "ended up on her own" and he sexually assaulted her.

The girls reported the rape which he denied to the police straight away.

On Tuesday, a jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict and convicted Moore on one count of rape following a seven day trial at Southampton Crown Court.

Prosecution barrister, Tim Moores, read out a victim impact statement which said how the girl's life had been ruined and how the event will be with her forever.

Extracts from the statement said: "During the time he had locked me in the back of the car I was terrified he was going to kill me."

"I have to live the rest of my life knowing what he did to me. I will never escape it."

She has suffered sleepless nights and has cried herself to sleep, the court heard.

Defending, Len Furlong, argued Moore has no relevant previous convictions.

He added that the fact the case had taken since 2018 to be dealt with was also a mitigating factor.

During sentencing, Judge Nicholas Rowland said: "She repeatedly said stop and you did not do so."

Moore wept as he was jailed for six years and six months.

He will have to register as a sex offender for life.

DS Claire Ratcliffe said: "I am absolutely delighted with the result.

"I just can't commend the victim enough for the strength she has shown over the last two years.

"I hope that it can be of some closure for her."

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 An Addiscombe man who sexually assaulted a 61-year-old with learning difficulties has been sentenced to a 36-month supervision order.

Colin Ford, a painter and decorator from Fernhurst Road, was sentenced to the order at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Friday after pleading guilty to the three counts of sexual assault at an earlier hearing.

He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register.

The court heard how Ford had duped the victim into getting into his work van after offering her a lift to Croydon in 2005.

Magistrates were told Ford had driven the victim to a remote car park in Shirley Hills and masturbated over her. Ford was caught after his DNA was taken in an unrelated matter and linked to the assault through the police’s national DNA database.

He was arrested in April 2008 and admitted the offences during interview.

Detective Constable Rob Buckell of Croydon’s Sapphire Unit said: “Ford targeted a vulnerable woman, a pensioner who was suffering from significant learning difficulties at the time of the offence.

"He committed grossly unpleasant sexual acts on her, knowing she wasn’t capable of understanding fully what was going on.

"DNA evidence taken at the time of his arrest for an unrelated matter was crucial to solving this case, and without it Ford might never have been traced and brought to justice."

Yvonne Traynor, chief executive of Croydon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre condemned the sentence saying it was too light.

“It is not even a rap on the knuckles. This sends a message out to sex offenders that they can do what ever they like and walk away with a supervision order as long as they admit their crime.”