Sex offender jailed after 4,233 images and videos of children found on devices

A repeated sex offender has been jailed following a two-year investigation into a horrific case of child exploitation.

Tyler Charter, 35, of Windsor House, Croydon, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison at Croydon Crown Court yesterday for arranging or facilitating a child sex offence and possession of images of children. 

Charter was also handed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

A Met investigation began after intelligence from the National Crime Agency (NCA) identified Charter as a key suspect in grooming young children in June 2022.  

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

Cops were flagged intelligence about Charter, 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.

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

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

Officers 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, as well as exchanges of Charter arranging assaults on underage victims.  

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

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.”

 Pictured top: Tyler Charter (Picture: The Met)