Northampton child predator’s vile dark web alias uncovered 23-year abuse campaign
A Northampton paedophile used the dark web to share indecent images of children he sexually abused during a 23-year campaign.
Keith McFadden, of Abington, Northampton, was on Tuesday (January 25) convicted of 33 counts of sexual abuse.
They included the rape and sexual assault of a child under the age of 13.
The 57-year-old was also convicted of further offences of making and sharing indecent images of children during his nine-day trial.
The jury was told the abuse took place over a 23-year period between 1996 and 2019 and involved six victims, all aged between seven and 15.
McFadden had previously denied all the offences.
Prosecutors described how McFadden had groomed the victims’ families, embedding himself within their lives and making himself appear invaluable to them.
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He then went on to isolate and sexually abuse his young victims, all of whom were boys.
The court heard how he took indecent photographs of them which were then distributed on the dark web.
The pictures came to the attention of international law enforcement, including the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Jurors were told how he was arrested by detectives from Northamptonshire Police following the identification of victims seen in the indecent images.
They had been sent into the National Crime Agency (NCA) for distribution to UK police forces.
Following his arrest, the victims were contacted by detectives and it was only then they disclosed their abuse.
Detective Constable Lindsey Leslie, of Northamptonshire Police’s Child Protection Team, said: “This has been a lengthy investigation involving multiple victims and witnesses.
“The defendant was found guilty by a unanimous jury. He displayed no remorse for his actions.
“The conviction shows the defendant’s guilt and I hope in some way helps provide closure for the victims.
“They will never get over what they have endured at the hands of McFadden, but they can know that justice has been served.”
Following his arrest, the victims were contacted by detectives and it was only then they disclosed their abuse.
Detective Constable Leslie added: “I want to offer my thanks to the victims who have supported the investigation from the moment we contacted them.
“This would have brought back horrendous memories, forcing them to relive the abuse again.
“However, they stood up and confronted the defendant while giving testimony. This takes tremendous bravery and courage.
“Northamptonshire Police are committed to providing support for victims of sexual abuse, current or non-recent.
“Should anyone have suffered similar situations, I encourage you to report it and we will be there to listen and investigate.”
Her Honour Judge Rebecca Crane remanded McFadden in custody ahead of his sentencing hearing at the same court on Thursday, March 10.
