A WILTON man has been jailed after pleaded guilty to a string of child sex offences and cocaine possession.

Christopher Saunders-Pope, 36, of Randalls Croft Road, was sentenced to three years and four months by HH Judge Townsend at Swindon Crown Court today (28 May) following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

Saunders-Pope was arrested by SWROCU officers in March 2024 after communicating online with who he thought was a teenage boy.

He travelled within the county, intending to meet the child to sexually abuse, and was met by officers and subsequently arrested.

In April this year, he pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and arranging/facilitating commission of offence of sexual activity with a child.

He also admitted three counts of making indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child, distributing an indecent photograph/pseudo photograph of a child and possessing extreme pornographic image.

In addition, Saunders-Pope was found guilty of possessing a class A drug (cocaine)

Det Insp David Wells from SWROCU said: “When we arrested Saunders-Pope, he had travelled that day having made plans to abuse a young boy. Instead, he was taken into custody and prevented from causing the harm he intended.

“Law enforcement agencies are constantly across the internet working to identify anyone looking to abuse or exploit children. Saunders-Pope’s arrest was part of this ongoing work.”

HH Judge Townsend also handed Saunders-Pope a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Anyone concerned about their thoughts or behaviour towards children or the behaviour of another person, can seek help via the Stop it Now confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900.

Further support is available from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.