A JUDGE described a 23-year-old paedophile's pattern of offending as “predatory, persistent, and calculating” before sentencing him to seven years in jail for a litany of sex offences.

Luke Tucker, 23, appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday after he admitted five sex offence charges, including one of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

The other charges involved three breaches of a sexual harm prevention order and a failure to comply with notification requirements.

Judge David Turner, who oversaw the case, said Tucker’s re-offending – which took place whilst he was already serving a suspended sentence and a sexual harm prevention order – showed he had “learned nothing” from his previous offences.

Gazette: Predatory - Judge David Turner said Tucker's actions were predatory, persistent, and calculatingPredatory - Judge David Turner said Tucker's actions were predatory, persistent, and calculating (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

He said: “Your previous sentence had barely begun [before you started reoffending] and that in itself is an ugly feature as you seem to have learned nothing from your 2022 and 2023 offences.

“In my mind, it’s very serious that, immediately after a court appearance, you continued with the serious activity that you did - not only did you have previous convictions, you were in breach of a suspended sentence and sexual harm prevention order.”

Laura Kenyon, for Tucker, accepted the defendant would receive a sentence of several years, but argued the defendant was not dangerous.

Judge Turner, however, rejected the defence and then addressed Tucker, who appeared via video link wearing a grey polo shirt.

He said: “I think you are dangerous, and I find you to be dangerous for the reasons set out in the pre-sentence report and your offending in relation to images.”

Passing the sentence, Judge Turner jailed Tucker, of Eight Acre Lane, Colchester, for 40 months for inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Gazette: Dangerous - Judge Turner said Turner was dangerous because of his serious and significant offendingDangerous - Judge Turner said Turner was dangerous because of his serious and significant offending (Image: Essex Police)

A 30-month sentence was imposed for the three breaches of a sexual harm prevention order, and an 11-month sentence was imposed for Tucker’s failure to comply with notification requirements.

Judge Turner continued by saying that although Tucker had admitted some remorse, the offending still merited serious punishment.

He continued: “I have exercised a determined rather than extended sentence, which I could readily have done.

“This is serious and significant offending which must be met by punishment in all the circumstances.”

Tucker may be eligible for release after serving half his sentence.