A PAEDOPHILE who sexually assaulted two young boys has been caught again after he was spotted taking pictures of children at a karate club’s open day.

Timothy Edmeades, 37, lived in West Road, South Ockendon, at the time of his offences six years ago.

But he recently mingled with the likes of Basildon mayor Mo Larkin and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe at the Maru Karate Kai club open day, in Pitsea, last month, and has now been arrested.

He was at the event in his role as an IT and administration officer for the Basildon Heritage Club, which promotes the cultural and historical heritage of Basildon by carrying out exhibitions at events around the borough.

However, the heritage club knew nothing of his past as it does not carry out criminal record checks.

It has now suspended him.

Ken Porter, chairman and treasurer of the Basildon Heritage Club, said the organisation did not carry out criminal record checks on its members as it does not work “directly with children” although youngsters are often present at events where the group holds exhibitions.

Mr Porter added: “We certainly had no idea about his past and have suspended him.

“We are extremely upset, distressed and concerned by what has happened.”

It has emerged he took up his role with the group in 2010 and has been visiting schools and children’s sports club open days, carnivals, fetes and a host of other events attended by children.

He was also spotted at the Wickford Carnival, taking photographs of children.

In 2008, Edmeades was jailed for 33 months when he “abused his position of trust” by grooming and sexually assaulting two boys – aged nine and ten – on swimming trips.

He also had hordes of vile images of child porn on his computer.

As well as being jailed, Edmeades was made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which banned him from working or being alone with children and possessing a computer for ten years.

The Maru Karate Kai Club is understood to have written to parents and complained to police after the truth about Edmeades came to light. This followed concerns from parents who saw him taking pictures.

Edmeades was arrested on suspicion of breaching his order. He has been bailed until March pending further enquiries.