A SENIOR detective with Thames Valley Police has welcomed a prison sentence for a man caught by paedophile hunters posing as a 14-year-old girl. 

Last week Oxford Crown Court heard how Joshua Dodd, of no fixed abode, had inappropriately messaged ‘Emma’ online about having sex, and in one instance asked her to send nude pictures.

The 25-year-old was sentenced to four years and four months in prison by Judge Ian Pringle.

Today, investigating officer, Detective Constable Alice Ashby of Force CID, said: "Between 29 September and 9 October last year Dodd attempted to incite a child to engage in sexual activity in Abingdon, however he didn't realise this was actually a member of a vigilante group posing as a child.

"As a result of Dodd's communications with the vigilante group and also evidence found on his mobile phones, which were seized from Dodd, he was found to have breached several conditions of the breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. Further, indecent images were found on these devices.

"The count of inciting a child to engage in penetrative sexual activity was a non-recent offence from 2011. As a result of Dodd's arrest being made public the victim came forward to report this offence to the police.

"Dodd poses a danger to young girls and I am pleased he pleaded guilty to these offences and will serve time in prison for his crimes."