He was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) four years ago restricting his online use.

Susan Ferrier, prosecuting, said Gwent Police raided Cambridge’s home on June 8, 2020 where they found more child abuse films and pictures.

She told Cardiff Crown Court: “Officers asked him why he had downloaded them. He said, ‘I don’t know. Self-destructiveness maybe. I was drawn to it.’

“An aggravating feature of this case is the defendant’s previous conviction.”

Cambridge, of Heol y Dreflan, Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to making six category A, four category B and two category C images.

He also admitted breaching his SHPO.

Judge Michael Fitton QC told Cambridge: “You have an interest, perhaps obsession, with children.

“You said it is maybe a morbid curiosity. That’s nonsense.

“You have a dreadful urge to look at such images again and again.”

He jailed him for eight months.

The defendant was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years and made subject of a SHPO until 2031.

Cambridge must also pay a victim surcharge upon his release from prison and the court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the electronic devices used to access the indecent images.

The 43-year-old mechanic, of Meadow Close, Pengam, near Blackwood, had admitted his crime at the time to the authorities but nothing was ever done.

The judge, Recorder Mark Powell QC, told Higgs: “It is a source of considerable mystery and concern that neither the police nor social services took any action.

“You admitted the offence but nobody did anything about it.”

He added: “You groomed this 13-year-old girl and I have heard moving testimony from the complainant by her victim personal statement.

“You took advantage of her age. You knew full well how old she was.”

Cardiff Crown Court heard how the victim had made a complaint to the police after watching a storyline about grooming on TV soap Coronation Street.

Prosecutor Laurence Jones said: “The defendant would buy her gifts, cigarettes and alcohol.

“She told police officers she felt haunted by what he did to her and that he had groomed her.

The victim told the court: “I feel totally lost as if I have lost my identity.

“I have nightmares which make me scream and cry.

“The majority of the time I struggle to sleep at all.

“I will have to live with this heartbreak for the rest of my life.

“I feel robbed of my innocence and childhood.”

Recorder Mark Powell QC, jailed Higgs for six years and six months.

This was made up of a custodial term of five years and six months and an extended licence period of 12 months after his release from prison

He must register as a sex offender for life.

Higgs admitted unlawful sexual intercourse with a child and indecency with a child.

The defendant was told he had “violated” his victim’s dignity.

Nuhu Gobir, prosecuting, said the assault happened during the Christmas period in 2019.

Speaking of the attack, he told Cardiff Crown Court: “The defendant was laughing and grinning.

“He was clearly enjoying what he was doing.

“The victim was left in complete shock.

“She says she suffers flashbacks and he has made her feel worthless.”

Scarfe pleaded guilty to sexual assault.

The court was told the defendant had already served the equivalent of an eight-month prison sentence while being held in custody.

“This was a violation of this lady’s dignity as well as her privacy.

“You are a big strong man and you did what you did regardless of her wishes.”

Scarfe was jailed for six months, suspended for two years.

He was ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 29 sessions of an accredited programme.

The defendant must also register as a sex offender for seven years.

In 2008, Scarfe avoided prison after being convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Cardiff Crown Court was told the incident took place last year.

Roger Griffiths, prosecuting, read the victim’s personal statement in which she said: “This going to destroy me and my future.”

Adams, of Dol Fran, Mornington Meadows, Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to the sexual assault on the day of his trial.

The defendant had six previous convictions for 11 offences, including two for battery, but none for any similar matters.

Judge Nicola Jones jailed Adams for five years and four months and ordered he register as a sex offender for life.

He must also pay a victim surcharge following his release from custody.