A BOURNEMOUTH man who possessed and distributed multiple indecent images of children has been jailed for 32 months.

Anthony Newman pleaded guilty to 12 counts of the incitement, possession and distribution of indecent images of children, arranging to meet a child to commit a sexual offence and possession of a controlled drug, cannabis, on July 16, 2015, at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court.

He was handed the sentence today at Dorchester Crown Court.

The 48-year-old was also placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely.

Newman was arrested in Bournemouth on Sunday, February 8, 2015, and charged on Thursday May 21, 2015, following an extensive undercover operation relating to him attempting to meet a like-minded individual whom he believed had access to young children he wished to sexually abuse.

The court heard that on searching Newman’s home, officers seized electronic devices containing indecent material of young children.

The equipment was found to contain four category A, 11 category B and 98 category C indecent moving and still images, with category A being the most serious.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Paul Chessell, of Dorset Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team, said: “I am pleased that a man who presented such a risk to members of the public is now behind bars.

“This jail term is a warning to anyone involved in downloading indecent images of children.

“We will track you, we will arrest you and you will be brought to justice.”

He added: “I also urge those abusing children to seek professional help from either their GP or another professional organisation such as Stop it Now! of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.

“Targeting criminals in cyber space and safeguarding children from serious harm remains a priority for Dorset Police.”

The Paedophile Online Investigation Team can be contacted on 101.