Monster Groomed and Abused Young Girls in South East London
Dean Edmunds, 36, has been locked up for 18 years after a Met Police probe uncovered his horrifying string of child rapes and sex crimes. Officers sifted through 1.5 million indecent images to catch the depraved predator.
Shocking Scale of Abuse and Disturbing Evidence
Sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on 21 May, Edmunds admitted 28 offences including:
- Three counts of raping a girl under 13
- Assault by penetration of a child under 13
- Nine counts of sexual assault on a child
- Taking and distributing indecent images of children
- Possessing extreme and prohibited pornography
- Intercourse with an animal
- Attempting to pervert the course of justice
In total, police found some 6,700 indecent images and nearly 2,000 extreme pornographic images on multiple devices.
Investigation Reveals Heartbreaking Abuse
The majority of Edmunds’ horrific acts targeted a young girl aged between three and seven. Detectives from South Area Public Protection Unit launched the fast-moving investigation in July 2020, seizing 11 devices and travelling overseas to interview victims and their families.
“I’ve been a police officer for almost 20 years and this is the worst case I have ever investigated,” said Detective Sergeant Laura Davies. “Edmunds groomed his main victim so she was too scared to speak out.”
Edmunds also recorded his abuse of four young girls, two of whom police have yet to identify. Hundreds of images of women and girls taken in public places, including ‘up-skirt’ photos, were also uncovered.
Partner Sentenced for Shocking Role
Edmunds’ partner, Leanne Edmunds, 36, also pleaded guilty to offences including making indecent images of children and bestiality. She received a three-year community order.
Explicit messages between the pair revealed her knowledge of Edmunds’ abuse. Officers also found videos of her engaging in sexual acts with the family dog.
Victim’s Family Speak Out on Trauma
“When we were told, I screamed in horror. The guilt of not protecting my daughter is unbearable,” said the father of the main victim. “The anger and upset I feel at what Edmunds did is indescribable. My daughter had to bottle this up out of fear. We’ll carry this pain forever.”
Met Police Praise Team Effort and Ongoing Support
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Sullivan praised the dedication of officers and overseas partners: “Thanks to their tireless work, Edmunds can no longer harm children.”
DS Laura Davies added: “Edmunds showed no remorse, bragging about his crimes. The images we saw were the worst I’ve encountered in 20 years.”
The team continues to support the victims and their families as they begin the long process of healing.
