An investigator has praised a five-year-old who showed 'immense courage' in testifying against the dangerous paedophile who abused him in broad daylight in Bracknell.

Casey Bond, 22, of Highfield, Bracknell, was jailed at the end of March.

He had been caught inappropriately touching a child in May 2023.

The incident occurred in public, and a good Samaritan saw Bond abusing the boy.

He reported the attack to the boy's parents, who then informed the police.

Sentencing Bond at Reading Crown Court, Judge Rachel Drake described him as a dangerous sex offender.

At the time he abused the boy, Bond was already being investigated over his indecent communications with online 'paedophile hunters' in 2021.

The hunters posed as children, and messaged the defendant on social media.

Bond sent the decoy accounts videos of himself masturbating.

On the first day of trial, Bond pleaded guilty to charges of sexual communication with a child, attempting to incite a child to engage in penetrative sexual activity, sexual assault on a child under the age of 13 and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Judge Drake attributed this to incriminating DNA evidence found on the five-year-old victim's underwear.

Detective Constable Stacey Bushell, of Loddon Valley CID, said that Bond has shown no real remorse for his offending.

She stated: "The young victim in this case has shown immense courage in telling someone what happened to him, enabling it to be reported.

"His family has demonstrated strength and dignity throughout the investigation and court process, and, at times, have had to suppress their own emotions to be able to support the victim and get the justice deserved.

"Bond took advantage of the victim, taking the time to befriend him.

"His actions were seen by a witness, who was able to raise the alarm, which, in turn, gave the victim the opportunity needed to speak up about what had happened.

"Although Bond pleaded guilty, he has shown no remorse for his actions, which has caused considerable distress to the victim's family.

"I hope now he has been sentenced the victim and his family will now see this as closure, and be able to move forward.

"The judge highlighted in her sentencing remarks that she feels the defendant is dangerous. This sentence has taken one predator off the streets, and highlights that offences against children will be dealt with robustly and will not be tolerated.

"Thames Valley Police will work with victims to prosecute the perpetrators of child sexual offences and protect the wider public."