A Stevenage man has been jailed for 10 years having pleaded guilty to sexual offences against children. 

Colin Phillips, aged 56, was arrested on Thursday 3 November and charged with the following offences: 

Rape of a child under 13. 

Three counts of sexual assault of a child under 13. 

Four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. 

Three counts of making indecent images of a child. 

The offences took place between February 2022 and July 2022. 

Phillips appeared at St Albans Crown Court on Thursday (February 9) where he was given a total custody sentence of 14 years - 10 years custodial and four years licence.

Additionally, he was added to the sex offenders' register and placed under a sexual harm prevention order. 

Detective Sergeant Dan Osborne, of the Joint Child Protection Investigation Team (JCPIT), said: "A dangerous offender has been removed from the community and put behind bars for despicable behaviour towards children. 

"I'd like to highlight the bravery of the victims and families who have supported the investigation to help bring Phillips to justice.  

"Anyone who has been a victim of child abuse, or thinks a child is being abused, should contact police immediately and a report can be made in confidence."