Paedophile Groomed and Sexually Assaulted Toddlers and Young Children
Keats Harvey, 24, an American living in West Wittering, Chichester, has been jailed for a string of horrific sex offences involving children – including toddlers. Arrested in May 2020, Harvey was charged with 14 child sexual abuse offences after a National Crime Agency (NCA) probe uncovered a sickening trove of indecent images and chilling evidence.
Disturbing Cache of Thousands of Images Found
Harvey had amassed nearly 9,000 indecent pictures of children on his devices, spanning from 2015 to 2020. Among these were 860 of the worst kind (category A), 1,290 category B, and 6,984 category C images, plus 630 prohibited images. Analysis of his chat logs and emails revealed he shared these vile materials with other offenders and admitted to molesting three young children.
The abuse victims were all under ten years old and included a toddler. Harvey used connections to other adults to meet them and even assaulted a child at a party. His depravity extended to attempting to befriend vulnerable adults with kids and applying for jobs in hospitals and nurseries to gain access for abuse.
Man Sentenced to 12 and a Half Years Behind Bars
At Hove Crown Court, Harvey was found guilty of multiple offences, including possession and distribution of indecent images, assaulting children under 13, and grooming a girl under 16. He was sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison.
NCA Warns of Escalating Risk and Highlights Cross-Border Success
Peter Stevens, NCA’s T/Regional Head of Investigations, said:
“Keats Harvey was conducting very serious offending, not just online but by physically abusing young children. He actively tried to befriend adults with children and sought jobs at hospitals and nurseries to gain access. His behaviour was escalating, and the sentence reflects that. I’m pleased he’s behind bars where he no longer poses a risk.”
Stevens also revealed that the investigation helped unearth another American suspect, a teacher in Seattle, who was arrested for abusing an 11-year-old boy. The NCA worked closely with Sussex and Hampshire Police to identify linked offenders and safeguard victims.
The NCA thanked partner forces for their vital collaboration, especially given the challenges of working through the pandemic and sifting through vast amounts of disturbing evidence to deliver justice.
