A senior chief immigration officer who had more than 10,000 indecent images of children has been jailed for 10 years.

Paul Cosier, 51, previously of Clifford Gardens, Deal, pleaded guilty to 17 offences earlier this year, including one offence of rape of a child under the age of 13.

Sentencing him at Canterbury Crown Court, Judge Adele Williams described his conduct as so grave that no excuse could minimise it.

Cosier must sign the sex offenders’ register and has also been banned from working with children for life.

After the case, Det Insp Matthew Long, from Kent Police’s public protection unit, said: “Compiling and distributing a sickening collection of over 10,000 indecent images of children was clearly not enough for this man.

“He has continuously interacted with other like-minded people and discussed the sexual abuse of children.

“Cosier has not only gone on to commit serious sexual abuse of a young vulnerable child but took photographs of this horrific act. The sentencing reflects the severity of his actions.”

Cosier pleaded guilty to one count of rape of a child under 13, 10 offences of distribution of indecent images of children, three offences of taking indecent images of children, two offences of making indecent images of children and one offence of possession of indecent images of children.

He was found with a total of 11,954 images, some at the most serious level.

Cosier, a senior chief immigration officer in Kent, was arrested last year following a referral from the Metropolitan Police. He was suspended from his duties as an immigration officer pending the outcome of the Kent Police investigation.

Det Insp Long added: “This man was believed to be of good character, working in a position of trust. Clearly he has betrayed that trust.

“I hope that this highlights to everyone that this type of offender can come from any social background and not restricted to a stereotypical criminal.

“Everyone should be aware that this horrendous type of offence is happening and should report any suspicious activity to police.”