A MAN has been jailed for 18 months after being found with nearly 1,000 indecent images of children at his home in Clacton.

Police swooped on the home of 37-year-old Darren Thorne, in Beach Road, on May 25 last year.

They seized equipment including a mobile phone and various tablets.

The investigation was passed on to specialist officers to continue the inquiry.

The equipment was found to contain more than indecent images and films, including 268 category A - the most serious pictures of abuse.

There were also 212 category B images and films, 416 category C and 42 extreme and prohibited pornographic images.

The investigation was carried out by a team which monitors and manages people convicted of sexual offences.

Thorne was charged with three counts of making indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

He was jailed for 18 months and ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register for 10 years after admitting the charges at Chelmsford Crown Court.***NOV08***

Three other men from the south of the county have been sentenced over the last month for downloading indecent images of children as part of a continued crackdown by Essex Police.

In November last year, a dedicated team of specialist officers executed 44 warrants and arrested 43 people suspected of downloading, taking and distributing indecent images of children.

Det Sgt Ashley Howard, who is leading the specialist team behind the crackdown, said: “Every time an indecent image of a child is viewed or distributed online, that child continues to be exploited.

“We cannot and will not tolerate this type of crime and we will continue to use all the tools available to us to proactively target those committing this offence.

“If you are downloading, viewing or distributing indecent images of children I urge you to consider the harm your behaviour is causing to children. We will catch up with you and ensure you are accountable for your actions.

The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which is the only UK-wide child protection charity focused solely on preventing child sexual abuse, offers support to adults concerned about their sexual thoughts and behaviour towards children.

The charity runs Stop it Now! – a child sexual abuse prevention campaign and helpline. For more information visit stopitnow.org.uk or call the confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900.