A former scout leader has been been jailed for nine years after plotting to rape a child by giving them drink and drugs.

Richard Cumberland, who is from Kent but was staying at an address in Carno near Newtown in Powys before his arrest, was caught out when he confessed his desires to another convicted paedophile in graphic detail.

But the 32-year-old convicted sex offender was stopped before he was able to carry out any of plans, a court heard.

Now Cumberland has been jailed for nine years after admitting a string of offences linked to child sexual abuse.

When police raided his home and found indecent images of children, Cumberland told his father: "I have been a bad boy."

At Maidstone Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday) he pleaded guilty to 15 charges, including arranging to meet a child for sex in 2017 and distributing indecent images of children through online chat rooms.

Cumberland also admitted breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order when he tried to make contact with someone he believed was a child – but turned out to be an undercover police officer.

Judge Julian Smith gave him an immediate nine-year jail sentence and added another four years which he will serve on extended licence once he is released.

He was shown "chatlogs" in which Cumberland plotted to give the children drink and drugs – and suggested to the father of the child what drugs could be bought from Boots.

Cumberland, from Faversham, had been staying in Powys prior to his arrest.

Judge Smith told him: "Your intentions were very graphic and vile.

"This was not idle chat, it was not spontaneous or mere fantastical discussions. These girls were real and you were involved in planning their rape with their father.

"The contents of the chatlogs with those of a like mind are deeply disturbing and speak in the most graphic terms of what you and they were looking for.

"You shared images of these young girls expressing your wish, your hope and your expectation that you would be able to abuse them with their father's permission.

"You were rejoicing in the fact they were to be your victims."

Several years ago, Cumberland was jailed for a year after admitting causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two offences of possessing indecent photographs of a child.

The same court heard how Cumberland made contact with an 11-year-old girl in a chatroom in September 2011 and asked her to send him explicit pictures.

Police went to Cumberland's home after they were contacted by officers from West Mercia Police, the force area in which the victim lived.

When his computer was examined almost 300 images of child sexual abuse, some at the highest levels of four and five, were found.

He admitted at the time: "I put my hands up to that. I am sorry, it's child pornography."

Cumberland also told his father: "I have been a bad boy dad. I am so sorry."

Eight other offences – which he denied – were ordered to be left on the file.

Detective Constable Michelle James, Kent Police's investigating officer for the case, said: "Cumberland has demonstrated he has a dangerous interest in young children and the evidence of this case shows he was prepared to carry out serious harm.

"In addition to this, he sought out and actively shared images of young people being subjected to horrendous abuse.

"I am pleased that the evidence we presented the court was so strong that he pleaded guilty and he is now facing a substantial amount in prison, unable to cause further harm."

Cumberland left school with GCSEs and worked as a stonemason and tree surgeon and carried out voluntary work with Faversham Christmas Lights Committee, the court heard.