A 26-year-old man from Maidenhead has been jailed for numerous child sex offences.

Ashley Jenkins, of Ray Park Avenue within the town, was sentenced at Reading Crown County today [January 18], where he received an extended sentence of 26 years – 18 of them to be served behind bars.

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Jenkins pleaded guilty at a previous hearing on November 5 to four counts of rape of a child under 13, three counts of possession of an indecent photograph of a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, two counts of taking an indecent photograph of a child and two counts of making indecent photographs of children.

It is in connection to incidents that happened between January 1, 2018, and June 8, 2020.

Jenkins was charged on June 9, 2020, with the crimes.

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Investigating officer, Detective Constable Samantha Slater, based at Reading police station, said: “I am pleased that Jenkins has received a significant custodial sentence as a result of his horrific offending.

“Hopefully this sentencing today will begin closure for the victims, and they can start to move forward with their lives.

“Thames Valley Police take any allegations of sexual abuse of children very seriously and we will seek to bring to justice anyone who commits such abuse.

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“I would urge anybody that has been a victim of a sexual offence to report it to the police.

“You will be listened to, there is support and help available and wherever possible, offenders will be prosecuted.”