A man who had devices at his flat containing over a thousand indecent images of children and sent sexual messages to minors has been jailed.
Asfandyar Saleem, 28, from Lewisham, was sentenced to 52 months imprisonment for 11 offences.
Police raided his home where they uncovered the images saved on a series of electronic devices.
He had labelled himself "sugar daddy" on a social media messaging service where he knowingly communicated with victims under 16, Woolwich Crown Court had heard.
He pleaded guilty to offences including perverting the course of justice, making an indecent image of a child, attempting sexual communication with a child under 16 and possession of extreme pornographic images.
Whilst awaiting trial he created a fraudulent LinkedIn online profile, pretending to be the investigating officer. He then subsequently sent doctored images and messages purporting to be from this officer stating the evidence in the case had been fabricated.
He then forwarded these on to the Met in an attempt to scupper the investigation but was found out.
Saleem admitted the offences 24 October and was jailed at a sentencing hearing on Tuesday.
Detective James Cronin of the OCSAE (Online Child Sexual Abuse & Exploitation) team from Central Specialist Crime said: "Saleem is a convicted paedophile who preyed on children and launched a fraudulent campaign to have the case against him dismissed. This court result shows that Met officers will do everything possible to bring perpetrators to justice. “
During the investigation officers found Saleem had engaged in sexual conversations with children under the age of 16 on the "KIK" social messenger application where he would act as "sugar daddy" to children, paying them with gift cards for pictures of them undertaking sexual acts.
Acting Superintendent Jo Lloyd, Specialist Crime, said: “Officers from this dedicated unit are working tirelessly to take predators off the streets. Should anyone have information regarding child sex abuse please do not hesitate to contact the police via 101. In an emergency, dial 999.”
