A paedophile has been jailed for more than ten years following a string of child sex offences.

Adam Austin-Andrew, from Harwich, admitted one count of engaging in sexual activity in front of a child, two counts of indecent assault, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, five counts of sexual assault on a child and two counts of taking indecent images of children at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday.

Police arrested the 38-year-old in March in connection with recent child offences involving children under 13.

Following his arrest police received details of historical sexual abuse dating back to the 1990s on a child, who was aged under 13 at the time.

Investigating officer DC Vicky Blackmore, of Essex Police’s child abuse investigations team, said: “Austin-Andrew subjected young children to horrendous and sickening sexual crimes, which will have a life-long impact on them.

“I would like to praise the victims and their families for their courage throughout our investigation and subsequent court case.

“Austin-Andrew is a dangerous abuser and has received a lengthy prison sentence. I hope this outcome offers some justice to his victims.”

He has been jailed for 10 years and nine months for the various offences.