A DETECTIVE has said child sexual abuse "ruins lives" after a paedophile was jailed for planning to meet a Southampton schoolgirl. 

Gordon Welch, of Sheffield Road, Portsmouth was jailed on Monday after pleading guilty to arranging to commit a sexual act upon a child. 

The court heard how the 67-year-old planned to meet a father, who was actually an undercover officer, and his daughter, who was fictional at Shirley McDonald's. 

But after being arrested, he was jailed for four years and six months at a hearing at Southampton Crown Court. 

READ MORE: Paedophile turned up to Shirley McDonald's with condoms and Viagra

Investigating officer Detective Constable Colin Haynes, of SEROCU, said: “Child sexual abuse ruins lives.

"While, thankfully, there were no real children involved in this investigation, Welch demonstrated he had the intention to carry out sexual acts on someone he believed to be a child. 

“This case gives an insight in to the vital work officers from SEROCU do, working closely in partnership with police forces in the South East. 

“We carry out investigations to safeguard children and to ensure those who pose a real risk, particularly to children, are held to account for their actions. Welch will now have an opportunity to reflect upon his actions in prison.” 

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