The NSPCC has promised action after a paedophile from Winsford pleaded guilty.

David Harmes, 27 and formerly of Wharton Gardens, has today admitted to a string of 88 child sex offences.

Harmes used disguises to lure in his victims, who he found through YouTube and Instagram.

Now, the NSPCC has said it will work to introduce increased measures to keep children safe online.

A spokesperson said: “Harmes’ use of deception to target and abuse children, just months after he was released from prison for similar crimes, shows not only a sickening determination but also how online platforms can be easily exploited by offenders.

“The NSPCC will continue to work with Government to introduce robust online safety legislation that ensures tech platforms are designed with the safety of children in mind.

“We want the Online Safety Bill to hold firms accountable if young people are failed, so future generations are better protected from offenders like Harmes.”

Northwich Guardian: Harmes will be sentenced later this yearHarmes will be sentenced later this year (Image: Cheshire Constabulary)

At Chester Crown Court today (July 24), Harmes pleaded guilty to 88 sex offences involving 39 youngsters aged between six and 15 in the UK, and a further six in the USA.

The offences were committed between July 2019 to February 2020.

He had only been released from prison in February 2019 after serving a sentence for similar crimes.

Detectives pieced together his offending and linked him by his bedding in the images they found on his devices as well as footage of him accidentally opening his laptop and it filming his face for a few seconds.

Detectives liaised with the USA authorities to secure evidence for the victims in America and on May 18 this year, Harmes was served with a summons in HMP Risley to appear in court to face the charges, which included possessing, making and distributing indecent images, inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

He has now been remanded in custody to be sentenced on September 5.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or through the Childline website, where there are resources and advice on how to stay safe online.

Adults with concerns about a child can phone the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or visit the NSPCC website.