On Parole Pervert Jailed

A known sex offender has been jailed for 28 months after admitting sexually grooming a 15-year-old girl in Southend.

Peter May, 48, of Collins Meadow, Harlow, also admitted breaching a suspended sentence imposed at Chelmsford Crown Court in December 2008 for sexual activity in the presence of children.

May, who appeared for sentence at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, will also be subject of a Sex Offender Registration and a Sex Offender Prevention order for 10 years.

The offences came to light during a routine visit in March 2009 by officers from the Essex Police Public Protection Unit. May was already a registered sex offender and was being monitored by police having been given the suspended sentence in 2008.

Investigating officer DC Phil Merriam, of the Essex Police Online Investigation Team, said: "During the visit the officers became suspicious and checked May's computer where they found indecent images of a child. May was later arrested and the girl was identified."

May had met the girl online when she was 14 and groomed her into sending him indecent pictures of herself. He also sent her numerous pictures and videos of himself engaged in sexual acts.

Knowing her age he later travelled to meet her, on a number of occasions, with a view to forming a sexual relationship.

DC Merriam added: "May has co-operated with the investigation and it is satisfying to bring this repeat offender against children to justice without the need for a trial at which the victim would have had to give evidence."

(PR)