'Dangerous' Essex offender jailed after posing as teenager online to get sexual images from children

'DANGEROUS' ESSEX OFFENDER JAILED AFTER POSING AS TEENAGER ONLINE TO GET SEXUAL IMAGES FROM CHILDREN

A man described as "dangerous" who pretended to be a 14-year-old in order to obtain sexual images of children has been sentenced to prison.

Jordan Reid, aged 30 from Essex, inflicted significant psychological harm on children by impersonating a 14-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy during online interactions, the court was told.

Following his arrest by Essex Police at his previous residence in Witham in January, Reid faced 14 charges, including inducing a child under 13 to perform a sexual act, causing a child to observe a sexual act, and distributing inappropriate images of minors.

He admitted to police that he had engaged in online conversations where indecent images of children were exchanged.

Reid, from Victoria Gardens, Colchester, pleaded guilty and appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, where he received a prison sentence of 14 years and was also ordered to comply with a lifelong sexual harm prevention order.

During his sentencing, William Clegg KC stated to Reid: “You have caused immense damage to those children, and the extent of the psychological harm you’ve inflicted will never truly be known.” Detective Constable Matthew Wright commented: “This was the result of a thorough investigation carried out by our online investigation team, which led to the detention of a dangerous man.” “We collaborated closely with partner agencies to gather intelligence swiftly so we could investigate Reid and prevent further harm to children.” He added, “The internet should be a safe space for young people to communicate with friends and stay connected.

It should not be exploited by predators targeting vulnerable victims, and our police online investigation team remains committed to halting such evil activities.”