Predator with thousands of indecent images and videos of children jailed after two-year investigation

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

Tyler Charter, 35, was sentenced to six and a half years imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday.

He had been found guilty of arranging or facilitating a child sex offence and possession of 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 had heard.

Officers uncovered 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 chats, which showed a desire to commit horrific acts, including rape towards children.

Detective Constable Nikki Jones head of the investigation 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 utilising data and technology to serve and protect our communities.

“Safeguarding of children and prevention of these horrible 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 on his devices before officers quickly stepped in and seized them.

Charter was found guilty during a court appearance at Croydon Magistrates Court on 29 February 2024.