A man has been jailed for two years after he asked a convicted child sex offender to share abuse images online.

Matt De Vere, 34, of Southview Drive, Westcliff, was identified by officers after they recovered explicit sexual conversations on computers seized from the house of Peter Allott, a former teacher from London, who was jailed in May 2016.

In the chat, De Vere had asked Allott “can u send vids” adding he wanted them to include extremely young children.

A number of videos were then shared and De Vere told Allott “pls tell me u have more like that … best ive seen”.

Officers arrested De Vere at his home address in June 2016.

Forensic examination of computers and internet-enabled devices taken from his house showed De Vere had been communicating with like-minded individuals over a period of time.

He had specifically been asking for - and sharing - images and videos of incest between fathers and sons.

He pleaded guilty to 13 offences in September 2017 including intentionally encouraging or assisting the commission of an offence, distributing an indecent image of a child and possessing extreme pornography.

De Vere was sentenced today at Chelmsford Crown Court and will be subject to an indefinite Serious Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

NCA Officer Martin Ludlow said: “Matt De Vere actively sought to communicate with individuals using video conferencing forums for the sole purpose of accessing horrific child abuse images.

“He gave no thought to the victims in the images and the conversations we recovered show he was requesting videos depicting the worst kind of abuse.

“Our officers are dedicated to protecting children and ensuring people like Devere and Allott face the consequences of their actions.

"If you are engaging with people online and sharing images of child abuse, you will be identified, located and brought to justice."

An NSPCC spokesperson for the East of England said: “Behind every image requested by De Vere is a vulnerable, young victim who was abused because of the demand created by offenders who view this depraved material.

"Jail alone is not enough. He must undergo a treatment programme as part of his sentence to lessen the risk he poses to children in the future.

"It’s far too easy for child sex offenders to share these sickening images and we're calling on government, law enforcement and internet providers to commit resources and expertise to prevent this sickening material being published in the first place.

“Anyone concerned about indecent images or believes a child is at risk of abuse can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.”