Over 110,000 indecent images of children were discovered on a rape suspect's mobile phone after a complex investigation by specialist officers.

Daniel Taylor, 42, was jailed for 20 years after admitting numerous serious sexual offences. The case began in April 2022 with reports of rape and sexual assault involving two victims. Taylor, of Outing Close, Southend, was arrested and questioned but initially denied all allegations and refused to provide his phone's PIN.

Tenacious officers used forensic techniques to access the device after months of work, revealing 110,718 indecent images (including Category A, B and C) and videos of children. This evidence, alongside other information, directly linked Taylor to the rape allegations.

Taylor was charged with 15 offences including five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, two counts of indecent assault, three counts of possession of indecent images of children, one count of making indecent images of children and one count of distributing indecent images of children. Despite continuing to deny the charges initially, the overwhelming evidence left him little choice.

On Monday 2 September 2024, Taylor appeared at Basildon Crown Court and admitted to 12 offences. One charge of rape and two charges of indecent assault were left to lie on file. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison but will remain on licence for 24 years. He is also placed on the sex offender's register for life and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.