October 2026

Thomas Reeds jailed after travelling to meet decoy

Thomas Reeds, 25, from Ashton-under-Lyne, was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison followed by three years on extended licence after arranging to meet someone he believed was a 13-year-old child.

Reeds was already subject to a S*xual Harm Prevention Order. Between February and April 2026 he exchanged online messages with the supposed child and arranged a meeting in Reading. Officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit arrested him there on 8 April.

Investigators found that he had also been communicating with other children in breach of his order. Examination of his devices uncovered 15 indecent images of children.

Reeds pleaded guilty to offences including arranging or facilitating a child s*x offence, attempting to meet a child following s*xual grooming, s*xual communication with a child and making indecent images and videos of a child.

He was also convicted of three breaches and eight attempted breaches of his order. He was sentenced on 23 October 2026.