A paedophile from Peterborough was caught with hundreds of indecent images of children on his mobile phone by chance after being arrested for an unrelated offence.
Zak Reeve, 21, was arrested in connection with an arson in February this year, for which no further action was taken.
However, while in custody, officers completed a download of his phone and found hundreds of indecent images and videos of children, over 100 of which were the most serious category A.
A further search of Reeve’s home uncovered more images on a laptop and second mobile phone.
Reeve, of Eagle Way, Hampton Centre, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to two counts of making indecent images and distributing indecent photographs.
He was sentenced to one year and 10 months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (19 September). He was also handed a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.
Detective Constable Zip Lloyd, who investigated, said: “I’m glad we were alerted to Reeve’s offending and we’ve been able to secure justice today.
“Our specialist officers work tirelessly to monitor sex offenders and make sure they stick to the conditions of their orders. The orders aim to keep victims and vulnerable people safe, and we won’t hesitate to put offenders before the courts if breaches are found.”
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