A TEENAGER who groomed multiple children for his ‘own sexual gratification’ in Crewe has been jailed.

The 18-year-old from Crewe was sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars following a hearing at Chester Crown Court on Monday, August 24.

He had pleaded guilty to three counts of rape of a child under 13, six counts of sexual activity with a child, two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and one count of assault of a child under 13 by penetration at an earlier hearing.

The offences relate to four girls, aged between 12 and 14, and took place in the Crewe area between 2013 and 2014.

They first came to light at the end of 2013 when one of the victims confided in a friend that she was in a sexual relationship with the offender.

Her friend was concerned about what was happening to her so encouraged her to report it.

Officers were made aware of the concerns and launched an investigation.

The teen was arrested in May 2014 and interviewed by officers.

During the course of the investigation, further victims came forward and reported what had happened to them.

It became clear the teenager primarily made friends with his victims via social media.

He would send messages, build up their trust and arrange to meet them before engaging in sexual activity.

Detective Sergeant Ruth Atherton, who was involved in the investigation, said: “The teen groomed his victims and they became infatuated with him – believing they were in a relationship. “The girls knew what was happening was wrong because of their age but were scared about how he would react if they did not do what he wanted.

“He manipulated and exploited them for his own sexual gratification – flattering them to gain their trust and using this to sexually exploit them.

“The girls have been left upset and angry about what has happened to them.

“This will stay with them for a long time.

“The defendant clearly thought he was above the law and could do what he wanted, without any regard for the girls.”

 

Unfortunately, the Guardian cannot reveal the identity of the 18-year-old defendant because Chester Crown Court has refused to provide his address.

Without this information, we cannot guarantee that there isn’t another 18-year-old of the same name from the Crewe area who might be wrongly identified.

The Guardian will be making an official complaint in respect of this matter.