A 47-year-old man from Shinfield has been sentenced after arranging to meet a child with the intention of committing sexual offences.

Following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU), Jimmy Dawes, of Skylark Way was jailed for 12 months, suspended for two years, on Friday, January 11 at Reading Crown Court.

He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to meet a girl under 16 following grooming at East Berkshire Magistrates’ Court in Sloughon on November 19 2018.

Dawes was arrested after an intelligence-led investigation by SEROCU.

Detective inspector Emily Evans, from SEROCU, said: “It was clear throughout our investigation that Dawes fully intended to commit serious offences against this teenage girl, and it is positive he has been punished for his actions.

“Our priority is to protect children across the south east from sexual exploitation and we use a wide range of tactics to identify and apprehend those who seek to do them harm.

“We take all reports of child sexual abuse incredibly seriously, and would urge anyone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse, or thinks they know someone who has been to, report it to police via 101.

“We will always follow up allegations of abuse, no matter when they occurred. Victims can talk in confidence to experienced Investigators and we can also help them get access to a range of other support services.”