London: Depraved paedophile David Friedlander wanted to have sex with babies and toddler girls

Manchester paedophile David Friedlander discussed his sexual interest in babies and toddler girls in a police sting that found he carried sweets and children's toys to lure children.

The 63-year-old was arrested in March after travelling from Manchester to London, where he had arranged to meet an individual who he believed had access to a child he was allegedly planning on abusing.

He had been exchanging emails with the individual over a period of time and had disclosed his sexual interest in babies and toddler girls.

However, when he arrived at the meeting place, he was arrested by National Crime Agency officers. During a search of his hotel room, officers discovered a black rucksack, containing a soft toy and some sweets. These items had previously been discussed in the email chat, specifically in relation to the sexual abuse of a child.

In September 2014, Friedlander pleaded guilty to arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence and making and possessing indecent images of children. Forensic analysis of the images categorised them as levels A to C.

He has been sentenced to five years in prison and Judge Hone QC made Friedlander the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and he will be on the Sex Offender's Register for life.

Paul Phillips, Head of Operations at the National Crime Agency's CEOP Command said: "David Friedlander was actively communicating online with the sole purpose of accessing a child for sexual abuse. I have no doubt that swift action stopped him from committing offences more severe that the ones he pleaded guilty to.

"Child sexual exploitation is a top threat area for the NCA and we will continue to identify and apprehend people who we believe are likely to cause harm to children".