A man has been jailed for over two years following an investigation into indecent images offences in Southampton.

An investigation was launched by the Internet Child Abuse Team, after receiving information that Thomas Foley, 40, of Avery Lane in Gosport, was involved in child sex offences.

Officers seized electronic devices, including laptops and several mobile phones from his address, which was previously in Southampton, and found over 8000 indecent images and over 2000 videos on the devices. He was subsequently arrested in December 2023 for numerous child sex offences.

• Three counts of making indecent images of children
• Three counts of distribution of indecent images of children
• One count of possession of prohibited images of children

He appeared again at the same court on Tuesday 14 July, where he was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment.

He also received a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

PC Sarah Tickner of the Internet Child Abuse Team said, “I am pleased to see Foley put behind bars for these offences. It is clear that he poses a serious risk to children and is dangerous individual, who deserves to face prison-time for his actions.”

“We are dedicated to keeping children safe and I hope this result evidences how seriously we treat all offences of this nature.

“We will continue to pursue these offenders and put them before the courts for their crimes.”

Anyone with concerns about child abuse can call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you are not ready to speak to police but have experienced abuse in childhood, or are concerned about a child, you can contact the NSPCC helpline, confidentially, on 0808 800 5000. Alternatively, you can email help@nspcc.org.uk. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.