A PAEDOPHILE who changed his name to keep under the radar and evade police admitted nearly 30 charges of sexual abuse against children.

Darren Jones, 48, preyed on young children, including two schoolboys, around Reading and Tadley.

After the offences came to light, officers tracked Jones to a hotel in Brighton, Sussex, just days after Christmas last year.

The pervert was arrested and charged with 29 counts of sexual offences against children, which he admitted at Winchester Crown Court last month.

He was jailed for 12 years.

A police spokesman said: "The offences include sexual assaults on two boys under the age of 13 that took place in the Tadley and Reading areas between 2015 and 2017."

Jones, of Silchester Road, Little London, used the name Simon Jones to live “under the radar” until his arrest, the court heard.

Judge Jane Miller sentenced Jones to 12 years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years. He was also made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Sarah Moyce-Phillips, said: "We hope that today’s sentence provides some form of closure to the victims and their families for what has been an extremely difficult time.

“Once the offences came to light, officers worked tirelessly to make sure Jones was arrested and could be brought to court to face justice for what he did.

“We hope that the sentence given today will give confidence to others who have suffered abuse of this nature.

“We always take allegations of this kind extremely seriously, so anyone who has concerns and would like to speak to someone should call police on 101.”