A man has been convicted of multiple sexual offences against a young child.

Simon John Hayden-Reno, 28, was convicted after a trial at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, May 25 of one count of rape of a girl under 13.

Hayden-Reno, of Cudham Drive in New Addington, had previously pleaded guilty to 13 further sexual offences.

These are:

- Three counts of assault a girl under 13 by penetration;

- Six counts of making an indecent photograph of a child;

- Three counts of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity;

- One count of assault of a girl under 13 by touching.

He was found not guilty of a second count of rape of a girl under 13.

He will be sentenced later in the year on a date to be arranged.

The offences took place from 2017 to 2018 mainly at a residential premises in New Addington.

Hayden-Reno was known to his victim, but not related to her, and 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 and this was reported to police.

An immediate investigation began by detectives from the South Area Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Hayden-Reno was arrested on Sunday, October 7, 2018 and interviewed, but he denied the allegation.

The young victim was supported by specialist officers and other professional agencies who supported her and her family.

The young age and vulnerability of the victim meant that police had to conduct a rigorous investigation to carefully amass the necessary evidence.

Numerous statements were taken and 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.

"It took a great deal of courage for this child to come forward and talk about the abuse she had suffered.

"But thanks to her, and her family’s bravery, this man has been convicted.

"I would like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual crime to come forward and speak to police; they will be supported and their voice too can be heard.

“As for Hayden-Reno he has vilely taken advantage of his proximity to a very young girl to exploit her.

"He is a sexual predator and I am glad he has been convicted, he now faces a very long time in prison and it is thoroughly deserved.”