Graham Robert Mead 50

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A man has been jailed for two-and-a-half years over indecent images of children.

Graham Robert Mead, from Coulsdon, was yesterday (Thursday, June 18) sentenced to a total of 30 months at Guildford Crown Court for a number of offences, including making and taking indecent images of children.

Mead, 46, of Portnalls Road, had admitted arranging or commissioning a child sex offence, making an indecent photograph of a child, and three offences of taking indecent images of a child at earlier hearings.

A Surrey Police investigation was launched in February last year after a tip-off about Meads online activity.

Their investigation showed he had been using the messaging app Kik to look for individuals who had children or access to them. Detectives also identified a vulnerable teenage victim, who Mead had taken advantage of.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Steve Branch said: We welcome the sentence the court has imposed. It sends a clear message to anyone targeting or abusing children that you cannot hide online or behind a username.

"We will find you and investigate your activity thoroughly to bring you to justice.

Our inquiries showed Mead had 2,500 chat logs on his mobile device from Kik. He would seek others who had access to children in order to facilitate sexual abuse and sought indecent images. It became clear Mead was extremely manipulative and this sentence demonstrates just how seriously the courts took our concerns for the safety of those that he may have come into contact with."

The sentencing has led to officers reminding parents and carers to help children understand the dangers of using the internet.

They are urged to talk to their children and allow them to feel comfortable about raising any issues or concerns they have and ensure the youngsters are aware that people arent always who they say they are online.

Parents and teenagers are urged to know the signs of grooming, whether online or in person, and are encouraged to report any suspicions to police.