Croydon lie detector test used for abuse cases
A Croydon lie detector test could have helped police in a recent abuse case.
The case
A man will go to jail for multiple sexual offences against a young child. Simon John Hayden-Reno was convicted after a trial at Croydon Crown Court of one count of rape of a girl under 13.
The offences
Hayden-Reno had previously pleaded guilty to 13 further sexual offences. The judge made the choice of not guilty of a second count of rape of a girl under 13.
A predator
The offences took place from 2017 to 2018 mainly at a residential premises in New Addington. Hayden-Reno isn’t related to his victim but knows her. He took advantage of any time that he was alone with her.
On October 4, 2018 the victim, who was under ten-years-old, told her mum what had been happening. An immediate investigation began by detectives from the Child Abuse Investigation Team.
Croydon police
Hayden-Reno was arrested in Croydon on Sunday, October 7, 2018 and interviewed, but he denied the allegation.
The young victim has help from a specialist officer and other professional agencies.
The young age and vulnerability of the victim meant that police had to conduct a rigorous investigation to carefully amass the necessary evidence.
The victims
It was during a forensic search of Hayden – Reno’s phone that the indecent images of children were uncovered.
On Wednesday, May 5, Hayden-Reno was charged with the offences.
Detective Constable Heidi Lee, the investigating officer, said: “Firstly I want to pay tribute to the very young victim and her family. Secondly, It took a great deal of courage for this child to come forward and talk about the abuse she had suffered. Finally, as a result of her and her family’s bravery, this man has been convicted”.
Advice from the police
“I would like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual crime to come forward and speak to police”
“As for Hayden-Reno he has vilely taken advantage of his proximity to a very young girl to exploit her”.
How a lie detector test could have helped
In conclusion, Police have put new measures in place to conduct lie detector tests on sex-offenders and abusers. It is now part of release terms for sex offenders so take regular polygraph tests. Communities feel safer knowing abusers and offenders are now subject to regular polygraph testing and feel it holds the offenders accountable and reduces the risk of repeat offending.
If you suspect someone close to you is a victim of abuse, or involved in an abuse scandal then book a test online today. You can also call us on our free helpline on 07572 748364.
We provide confidential office appointments and home tests throughout London.
