Sex offender returned to prison for multiple online child sex offences

A registered sex offender from Ashton-Under Lyne has been jailed for multiple child sex offences following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

On Friday (23/10), Thomas Reeds, 25, of The Heys, Ashton-Under Lyne was sentenced to seven years’ and six months imprisonment after pleading guilty to:

• Arranging/ Facilitating the commission of a child sex offence,
• Attempted to meet a child following sexual grooming,
• Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child,
• Engaging in sexual communication with a child,
• Making indecent images and videos/ pseudo images of a child (namely category A),
• Making indecent images and videos/ pseudo images of a child (namely category B),
• Making indecent images and videos/ pseudo images of a child (namely category C),
• Three breaches of a sexual harm prevention order,
• Eight attempted breaches of a sexual harm prevention order.

Reeds was also sentenced to a three year extended licence when released from prison.

Between February and April this year, Reeds had been in communication online with a child he believed to be 13 years old. He used the online platform to engage in sexual communications and later arranged to meet the child in Reading.

On 8 April 2026, Reeds travelled to Reading to the arranged location, where he was arrested by officers from SEROCU.

Following his arrest, officers discovered Reeds was in communication with a number of other children, which he was prohibited from doing so by his sexual harm prevention order.

Digital forensic examination of the devices identified evidence of further offending involving children. Investigators established that Reeds possessed 15 indecent images of children.

Detective Constable Stuart Robertson, from SEROCU, said: “Thomas Reeds posed a significant threat to children and took active steps to pursue and facilitate sexual offending.

"We welcome this sentence which reflects the seriousness of these offences and demonstrates our commitment to identifying offenders, safeguarding children, and bringing those responsible before the courts. 

"Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, or who has concerns about a child, should report it to police. Information provided by the public plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable people and preventing harm."

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, then you can contact your local police force via their website or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.