Offences are also alleged to have taken place internationally in Portugal, Turkey and Hungary
A man has been charged with 47 historic sexual offences which are alleged to have been carried out in Kent and Sidcup. An investigation into non-recent sexual offences was launched in November 2023 by the Met Police, after reports detailed allegations of non-recent rape and other serious sexual offences.
The offences are reported to have occurred between the late 1960s and 2010 at various locations including Sidcup and Kent, as well as internationally in Portugal, Turkey and Hungary.
Met detectives worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and international prosecution teams as part of the investigation. Charges were authorised on Friday (January 2).
Edward Sweeney, 84, of Welbeck Avenue, Sidcup, has been charged with –
- Three counts of rape of a child under 13
- 27 counts of indecent assault
- Five counts of indecency with a child
- Seven counts of sexual assault of a child
- Five counts of causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity
The charges relate to nine separate men, who were aged between eight and 14 at the time of the reported offences.
Those who have come forward continue to be supported by specialist officers.
Sweeney will appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 9.
Any information can be passed to detectives by emailing CIT@met.police.uk. Any reports will be dealt with in the strictest confidence by specialist officers.
Support is also available by contacting the independent charity, Rape Crisis at 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.
