A PAEDOPHILE attempted to befriend children by buying them sweets and drinks, police have revealed.

Graeme McLeod, 48, from Guisborough, walked free from the Old Bailey on Thursday. He admitted offences of possession and distribution of child pornography, along with two other men. Judge Simon Coltart told them that, while each represented a risk to children, it was unlikely that prison would help to reduce that risk.

Detective Inspector Keith Tilley, of Hertfordshire Police's child protection unit, who led the investigation into McLeod, described his actions as 'classic paedophile behaviour.'

McLeod bought a house in Guisborough and set about making friends with local children. As well as buying them sweets and drinks, he bought one boy an expensive birthday present - much to the alarm of his parents.

"This was the very, very early stages of activity by him, and we are not really sure what he was aiming to do, apart from gain the trust of parents and access to children," said Det Insp Tilley.

He stressed that there was no evidence McLeod had infiltrated organised youth groups or had abused children in the Guisborough area.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police, said: "As far as we are aware, McLeod has severed all links with the area.

"Should, however, he return, we will deal with it accordingly and constantly monitor him."