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

Marc Daniel Ward, 29, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Child Abuse

Ward, formerly of Brewers Lane in Gosport, was sentenced on Friday at Portsmouth Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to nine counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

He received a ten-year prison sentence, followed by an extended licence period of four years.

Detective Sergeant Claire Ratcliffe commented on the sentencing, saying: "It takes an incredible 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."

Ratcliffe concluded by encouraging anyone who is being abused or knows of someone being abused to contact the police or a specialist charity like the NSPCC.