A PAEDOPHILE who admitted possessing thousands of indecent images and videos of children, and making dozens more, has been jailed for ten years.

Joshua Gould, 23, of Tilbury was arrested on January 13 last year, following information that the internet connection there had been used to upload indecent images of children.

Officers carried out a search of an address in Seabrook Rise, Grays on January 13, 2018 following information that the internet connection there had been used to upload indecent images of children. He was arrested at the address.

lice officers carried out a search of the address, during which items such as a mobile phone, computer and hard drive were seized.

When the devices were examined officers discovered around 3,500 indecent images of children including more than 800 of the most serious category A images and more than 100 images of extreme pornography.

There were also more than 600 videos, including nearly 250 category A and nearly 50 showing extreme pornography.

Some of the images and videos included Gould sexually abusing young children.

Gould was charged in October, and appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday, where he admitted to attempted rape of child under 13, four counts of sexual assault of a girl under 13, taking indecent photographs of a child, possession of indecent images, and possession of extreme pornography.

He was sentenced to ten years in prison with a further eight on licence and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Kennedy Emson said: “Joshua Gould is dangerous sexual predator who preyed on the vulnerability of young children for his own gratification.

“His crimes are utterly abhorrent and could have a long lasting effect on his victims.

“I want to praise the victims and their families for their strength and support throughout the investigation.

“Gould did at least admit his crimes meaning they did not have to re-live the ordeal through a trial.

“I hope the victims and their families will now be able to move forward and will take some solace that Gould faces a significant time behind bars.”