August 2023

Man jailed for child sexual offences

A man convicted of non-recent child sexual offences committed in the UK and abroad has been jailed.

In 2019, the Met launched an investigation alongside authorities from the United States of America (USA), France and Israel after two men came forward stating that they had been assaulted more than a decade ago.

Jair Klein, 55 (20.02.68) of Majestic Court, Margate was found guilty at Harrow Crown Court on Wednesday, 19 July of five sexual offences committed against two victims.

Klein had been found guilty of the following offences following his trial at Harrow Crown Court:

– Three counts of sexual activity with a child that was aged 10 or 11;

– One count of sexual activity with a child that was aged 13 or 14;

– One count of sexual activity with a child that was aged 14 or 15.

At the Old Bailey on Thursday, 24 August he was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment, extended on licence to 16 in recognition of the danger he poses.

He will also be the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for an indeterminate period.

In December 2019, officers from the Met were contacted by two men who informed them that they had been sexually abused – by the same suspect – in the United Kingdom, USA and France between 2010 and 2014.

They detailed how Klein had given them gifts and taken them on days out, including to a swimming pool where he would watch them undress. Once alone, he would abuse them.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Philip Maunders launched a highly complex investigation, and on 27 September 2019, Klein was arrested. He provided a prepared statement in which he denied the allegations, making no further comment.

The investigation gathered further evidence and the witness accounts provided harrowing account. The investigation continued, and on 11 June 2022, he was charged.

During the course of the trial the courts heard that Klein had a previous conviction from Israel 2014 for a similar offence for which he received a three year custodial sentence for.