A registered sex offender described by police as posing “a significant threat to children” has been jailed after being caught in a sting operation. Thomas Reeds, 25, of The Heys in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison.
Reeds communicated online with a child he believed was 13 between February and April this year, police said. He used the online platform to “engage in sexual communications” and later arranged a meeting in Reading, Berkshire. When he arrived on April 8, he was met by officers and arrested.
Investigation reveals further offences
The South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), which carried out the operation, said that after his arrest, officers discovered Reeds was in communication with a number of other children. This was prohibited by the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order he was subject to at the time.
A SEROCU spokesperson said: “Digital forensic examination of devices identified evidence of further offending involving children. Investigators established that Reeds possessed 15 indecent images of children.”
Guilty plea and sentencing
Reeds pleaded guilty to 18 charges in total. These included multiple child sex and images offences, three breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and eight attempted breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
In addition to the prison sentence, Reeds was given a three-year extended licence period for when he is released from prison.
Police response
Detective Constable Stuart Robertson, from SEROCU, said: “Thomas Reeds posed a significant threat to children and took active steps to pursue and facilitate sexual offending.
“We welcome this sentence which reflects the seriousness of these offences and demonstrates our commitment to identifying offenders, safeguarding children, and bringing those responsible before the courts. Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or who has concerns about a child, should report it to police. Information provided by the public plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable people and preventing harm.”
