READING Borough Council used the services of a local security firm formerly run by a recently-convicted paedophile.

Roy Coxhead, formerly of Erleigh Road, Reading, was the director of Earley Security Services for almost eight years.

The 66-year-old was handed an 18-year prison sentence earlier this month after he was found to have sexually abused two boys between 2002 and 2017.

READ MORE: Paedophile tried to cover up evidence as police arrested him

Coxhead was described as a businessman during his sentencing and was appointed as director of the security firm in September 2007.

Reading Borough Council records show the authority used the services of Earley Security Services over a period between 2014 and 2020.

According to the council, payments were made between 2014 and 2017 for out-of-hour call-outs and patrol works.

READ MORE: Years in jail for 'dangerous' paedophile who abused teenage boys

Coxhead resigned from Earley Security Services in January 2015.

Reports of his sexual abuse first came to light in 2017.

The firm liquidated in December 2020.

The Reading Chronicle wishes to make clear that there is no indication RBC was aware of Coxhead's actions upon commissioning the services of his company.

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