A PAEDOPHILE has been locked up for ten years for a string of sex offences.

Marc Daniel Ward, 29, has been jailed for a decade after previously admitting to abusing a child.

Ward, formerly of Brewers Lane in Gosport, previously pleaded guilty to nine counts sexual activity with a child, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and a single count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday, he was given a ten year prison sentence, and an extended licence period of four years.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Claire Ratcliffe said: “It takes an incredibly amount of bravery to report abuse to anyone, and we commend the child involved in this case for their courage throughout this police investigation.

“No child should ever have to suffer, and we are committed to bringing to justice those who target children in this way.

“I am pleased that Ward is now behind bars and unable to harm another child.

“We encourage anyone who is being abused, or knows of anyone being abused, to find the confidence to come and talk to police, or a specialist charity such as the NSPCC.”

If you have been affected by child sexual abuse, contact police on 101 where you can speak with our specialist detectives in confidence.

Alternatively, contact Childline on 0800 11 11, or if you are an adult who has concerns about a child, you can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.