Children as young as five and six among victims of jailed Chelsea paedophile

A prolific and historic child abuser has been jailed for 16 years.

Christopher George Pearce, 59, of Cale Street, Chelsea was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, with cases dating back 40 years relating to the abuse of children as young as five and six.

The shocking sexual abuse by Pearce began in 1984 in Hammersmith, when his two victims were aged just five and seven at the time. Pearce’s crimes continued until 1988, when he sexually abused another two children, aged six and seven, in Chelsea.

Specialist officers began investigating Pearce in 2020 after he was caught trying to groom what he believed to be a child online in March 2020. After Pearce’s arrest was posted online, two of his victims bravely came forward years after Pearce’s terrible crimes had taken place.

Investigating officers found evidence dating back as far as 1988, before conducting interviews with Pearce’s previous victims.

Detective Superintendent Tony Larkin, from the Met, who led the investigation, said: “I want to thank the victims for coming forward, speaking to and working with officers through a long and complex investigation.

“I hope the bravery and willingness of the victims serves as an inspiration to those who may otherwise fear reporting this kind of abhorrent abuse.

“I am in no doubt that since 1984 Pearce has been an incredibly dangerous child sex offender and is now no longer free to commit offences against children.

“I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse – no matter how long ago – to please come forward to police. We assure you that you will be listened to and we will help you get support you so rightly deserve.”

Crimes of this nature can be reported online or on the telephone or in person to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

If you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault, charities and support agencies can offer help and guidance:  National Association for People Abused in Childhood NAPAC helpline: 0808 801 0331 ; Rape Crisis: 08085002222 ; Childline: 0800 1111 ; National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 9999 ; Survivors UK  0203 598 3898 info@survivorsuk.org; Samaritans : 116 123 jo@samaritans.org

Pictured top: Christopher George Pearce (Picture: The Met)