Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
A man, who was in possession of a paedophile manual and indecent images of children on a Virtual Reality headset has pleaded guilty to ten offences.
Daren Anthony Jones, 58 of Burgess Field, Chelmsford appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 27 February, where he pleaded guilty to ten offences, including possession of a paedophile manual.
An investigation into Jones was launched in August 2023, after our Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT) received information of him creating and being in possession of indecent images of children. A warrant was quickly executed at Jones’ home address in Chelmsford.
Several electronic devices were seized including two Virtual Reality headsets. Digital enquiries revealed that the headsets had accessed multiple pornographic videos involving underage children.
Officers also found Jones to be in possession of a paedophile manual, which contained disturbing detail around how to make contact with children and avoid being caught by the police.
Jones’ had been released with bail conditions whilst these enquiries were ongoing.
On Monday, 26 February, our officers acted quickly after receiving a report of Jones taking pictures of children in the Chelmer Village area of Chelmsford on Monday, 26 February. Officers attended the scene quickly, and despite Jones’ attempts to delete the images, CCTV enquiries supported the allegations against him.
He was quickly charged with the following:
After pleading guilty to all offences yesterday (27 February) Jones was remanded into custody. He will next appear in court on 1 April.
Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet said “Jones has proven himself to be a dangerous individual and the evidence presented by our POLIT team has resulted in this guilty plea.
“This was the first investigation within POLIT where we have located indecent images of children on Virtual Reality headsets. As disturbing as this is, I can assure the public that we are trained gathering the intelligence around these images and we will always act quickly to facilitate an arrest.
“As technology develops, offenders will use this to try disguise their criminality. Our team is one step ahead and we will continue to work hard to protect vulnerable people.
“I would like to commend our officers, who have work tirelessly on this case which has undoubtedly been distressing for them. Despite having to view graphic evidence, they do this to keep people safe and we will continue to support them throughout investigations. I would also like to commend the member of the public who confronted Jones in Chelmsford on Monday.”