A Tameside man, who groomed the 11-year-old daughter of a family friend before having sex with her, has been jailed for seven-and-a-half years.
Paul Linton, 43, who lived on Stockport Road, Denton pleaded guilty to seven counts of sexual activity with a child and was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court.
He has also received a restraining order against the victim and her family, and his name will appear on the sex offenders register.
Detective Constable Jo Tinsley of Tameside division, said: “From when the girl was just 11-years-old Linton groomed her; sending her text messages stating he would look after her.
“He flattered her, bought her alcohol and told her he loved her. He was fully aware that she was a child and used his position as a family friend to abuse her.
“Linton was a close friend of the victim’s family and assured them he would look after her through a particularly vulnerable time in her life.”
Linton met the victim in 2005 when she was just ten years old after her mother asked him to look after her.
The girl described how from Spring 2008, Linton started sending her texts about looking after her, taking her out in his car for meals and buying her alcohol.
As well as buying the girl presents and giving her money, Linton was engaged in sexual activity with the victim on a weekly basis until the end of 2008.
The victim reportedly told Linton to leave her alone but he would become aggressive and obsessive, turning up at her school gates with alcohol.
“The girl was very brave to come forward and disclose such horrific experiences and I would like to commend her for that,” Detective Constable Lindley said.
“I hope that this sentence gives the victim some peace, knowing that Linton is behind bars, and that now she can move on with her life.”
The victim who will remain anonymous said: “What happened to me took away my youth, my happiness and I had to grow up far too quickly.
“I felt confused, isolated and unable to tell anyone, but I came forward because I wanted to reach to other girls and encourage other victims to come forward and talk.
“After today, I feel relieved and much happier within myself.”
Telltale signs of child exploitation to look for include:
– Disengagement from education; young people who are not in school during the day may be more at risk of sexual exploitation. Children who are becoming involved in this activity may begin to skip school or become disruptive
– Risky behaviours; including secretive use of mobile phones and the internet
– Repeatedly going missing
– Unexplained gifts; children who appear to have new clothes, jewellery, mobile phones or money that cannot ‘plausibly’ be accounted for
– Peers and friends; involved in sexual exploitation and with ‘older’ boyfriends/girlfriends
– Drugs/alcohol; drug or alcohol abuse may leave children more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, it is also true to say that ‘abusers’ may use drugs and alcohol to help control children
– Sexual health issues; a history of unprotected sex leading to STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infection) or inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Anyone who is concerned about a child or young person should call Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in emergencies.
Any child or young person wanting help and advice can use the numbers above or contact Childline on 0800 1111.
Image courtesy of Mikey, with thanks.
