A THURROCK man found to be in possession of more than nearly 200 indecent images of children has been jailed.

Officers had seized mobile phones, DVDs and CDs from the home of 56 year-old David Johnson from South Ockendon in April 2018 after he had been arrested in connection with an unrelated offence.

When the phones and discs were examined almost 250 images of child abuse material were found.

He was later charged and at Basildon Crown Court he admitted three counts of possessing indecent images of children and two counts of making indecent images of children.

Johnson, of Buckles Lane, was jailed for 13 months, given a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and put on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years.

The investigation was carried out by the Child Sexual Exploitation Proactive Investigation Team which investigates the complex and organised grooming and exploitation of children.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Vicky De'ath said: "We take these investigations very seriously and strive to protect our vulnerable young people.

"David Johnson had hundreds of indecent images of children in his possession.

"Each of those represents a child which has been exploited for someone's sexual gratification which is unacceptable.

"We will continue to work hard to ensure people who put young people in danger are put behind bars.

"I would urge anyone who has any concerns or wants to report a sexual offence to contact us because we're here to help.

"You can contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."