Prolific paedophile who used spy cams handed 20-year sentence after probe uncovered 'heinous' offences

The charges included sexual activity with a child, ten counts of causing or inciting children to engage in sexual activity, and seven counts of sexual communication with minors.

Alden also admitted to grooming children online, voyeurism, upskirting, and possessing thousands of indecent images and videos across all categories, with his youngest victim just 10-years-old.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rob Guiney said: "This sentence reflects the gravity of Alden’s offending.

"He is a danger to children and women both in the digital world and in the community. He has abused and manipulated vulnerable children over several years.

"I want to pay tribute to the brave survivors of his crimes who have spoken to us and helped us protect others from this dangerous predator.

"We are committed to keeping everyone safe, whether online or in your community, and I hope this case sends a clear message to perpetrators that there is nowhere to hide in Essex".

The court placed him on the sex offenders register for life and imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The investigation began after police received intelligence that Alden had been accessing indecent images of children online, where officers executed a search warrant at his address in December 2021, seizing multiple electronic devices.

Examination uncovered thousands of distressing images and videos, along with evidence that he had been targeting children via social media platforms.

Further enquiries established that Alden had secretly installed spy cameras inside a piercing studio in Southend and a swimming pool changing room to capture footage of women and children.

He also possessed trousers fitted with buttons containing hidden cameras.

During interview, Alden acknowledged using multiple false identities over an extended period to contact children online.

Judge Richard Conley described Alden as a "dangerous" sexual predator as he delivered the sentence via video link to HMP Chelmsford.

"You didn't view them as people, you didn't view them as human," the judge told him. "They were avatars in your warped and depraved online existence, they were simply to serve you and your sexual desires".

Judge Conley remarked that even for someone who deals with sexual offending on a daily basis, Alden's crimes represented "an altogether different order of magnitude".

"The extent of your offending is really quite difficult to comprehend, the impact you had on your victim has left lasting and severe psychological harm," he said.

"We may never know the true number of victims of your offending."

The court heard that Alden had experienced sexual abuse himself between the ages of 12 and 14, which was said to have "likely" contributed to the psychological factors behind his offending.

Defence barrister Christopher Martin told the court his client had been prescribed medication for depression and anxiety.

"I want to make it clear from the outset nothing I have to say is intended to detract from the suffering of the victims in this case," Mr Martin said.

Alden's decision to plead guilty on a full facts basis meant no victims were required to attend court and give evidence.

The sentence reflected a one-third reduction for his guilty pleas, with the judge noting this had spared victims from having to relive their abuse.

Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet commended the actions of the team who investigated the case, describing an "unwavering dedication" as an example of the impact a dedicated team of officers can have.

She said: "There is a real emotional toll when dealing with such heinous crimes, but the team were resolute.

"Their meticulous attention to detail, safeguarding, and compassionate support for everyone involved were instrumental in building a strong case."