A SENIOR police officer has condemned a man jailed for molesting a young child and photographing himself doing so.

Pc Nick Riley is part of the online investigation team which helped bring Peter Gillespie, of Percival Road, Kirby-le-Soken to justice on Thursday.

The retired engineer was jailed for nearly nine years at Chelmsford Crown Court for a string of disgusting sexual offences including distributing child pornograph over skype.

Mr Riley said: “This is one of the most despicable cases I have investigated in my career.

"Gillespie has put a young vulnerable victim through an unforgiveable ordeal. I am pleased this predator is now in prison and cannot harm any other child.

“Child abuse is one of them most serious and appalling offences we investigate and we are determined to bring offenders to justice.”

Gillespie, 65, will be the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and remain on the registered sex offenders list for life.

READ MORE: 'REPULSIVE' ESSEX PAEDOPHILE JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING AN INFANT