'Prolific' London paedophile exposed for 40-year reign of terror against young children

A "prolific" paedophile has been jailed following a 40-year reign of terror against young children aged between five and seven .

Christopher George Pearce, 59, began his horrific sexual abuse against children in Hammersmith in 1984 - when his victims were aged just five and seven. His deplorable offending continued until 1988 - when he sexually abused another two children, aged six and seven, in Chelsea. Decades later, in 2020, Pearce was caught trying to groom whom he believed to be a child online.

This prompted Met Police officers to arrest him, and when his name was published online, two of his victims found the courage to come forward and report his crimes from the 1980s. Pearce has now been jailed for 16 years following a sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Tony Larkin, who led the investigation, said: "I want to thank the victims for coming forward to speak to and work 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.

"The officers in this case showed true determination in securing justice for all the victims - they are a credit to the Met. 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."