A 74-year-old man who arranged sexual activity with a child, has today been sentenced to 12 years behind bars.

Clive Jones, of Bempton, East Riding of Yorkshire, was convicted last month of six counts of arranging to commit child sex offences following a six-day trial at Durham Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody following the conviction and appeared in Durham Crown Court again today for sentencing.

The offences took place last year when Jones contacted a woman on numerous occasions with the intent of arranging sexual activity with a child.

He hadn’t realised that he was actually engaging with a covert police investigator.

The investigation was conducted by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) together with Humberside Police.

Speaking after the sentencing, Chief Inspector Al Burns of the YHROCU, said: “Jones utilised the internet to engage with other adults on social media sites, where he arranged to commit horrid sexual abuse against young children.

“What he hadn’t realised, however, is that he was actually engaging with a police investigator from our specialist team.”

“I’m pleased that he has now been brought to justice and that the sentence handed down to him today reflects the severity of his crimes.”

“Our dedicated team here at the YHROCU is committed to taking action against child sex offenders and working in partnership with our local police forces to stop the harmful activities of people like Clive Jones.”

Officer in the case Detective Constable Rachel Hall of Humberside Police, said: “We take all reports of child sexual offences incredibly seriously and will always do everything we can to put offenders before the courts.

“Clive Jones took a sickening sexual interest in a child, arranging to meet them and expressing perverted sexual desires towards them.

“I am reassured that he is now facing time behind bars and unable to target any other children.

“I hope the sentence given today sends a very clear warning to anyone considering committing similar offences. If you do, we will find you and you will be punished for your crimes.”

If you have any information or concerns about sexual offences call our non-emergency 101 line to report it.

If you would prefer to report information anonymously you can do so via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency always dial 999.