A PAEDOPHILE banged up for more than a dozen years tried to destroy evidence related to his abuse after being arrested by police.

Roy Coxhead, formerly of Erleigh Road, Reading, was sentenced to 18 years behind bars last week after he sexually abused two boys between 2002 and 2017.

After he was arrested in June 2017, the 66-year-old tried to “destroy the evidence that related to his offending”, culminating in a “long and complicated” police investigation.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rosie March, of Reading police station, said: “The victims, in this case, have shown outstanding courage and fortitude and I want to thank them for coming forward.

READ MORE: Full details as Roy Coxhead sentenced to years in jail

“They, and all of the prosecution witnesses involved, should be commended for their part in securing convictions against this dangerous and predatory individual.

“This has been a long and complicated investigation which has been successfully concluded with the imprisonment of Coxhead.

“Coxhead is now going to serve a lengthy prison sentence whereby he can reflect on his offending, and where he is no longer a danger to the public.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that Thames Valley Police will always investigate reports of non-recent sexual offences.

“You will be listened to and officers will work to bring offenders like Coxhead to justice for the terrible crimes committed over many years.

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“If you have been the victim of any sexual offence, I would like to reassure you that you will be believed and that you can give information to police confidentially if you so wish.

“Please be assured that you will be under no pressure to provide any sort of account to police and that we can offer you support and advice about concerns that you may have.

“Reports of such offences can be made to the force by calling 101, or reporting online. Should you wish to remain anonymous while reporting, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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Coxhead was sentenced to 18 years in prison, with at least twelve of these to be served before he is eligible for parole.

The 66-year-old was sentenced at Reading Crown Court after being found guilty of two counts of indecency with a child; three counts of indecent assault on a male person; attempting to commit a serious sexual offence; perverting the course of justice; four counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

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