A 21-year-old man has been jailed for three years today for grooming a teenage girl in Oldham.
Lee Hall, of Lily Street, pleaded guilty to grooming as well as supplying cocaine and the production of cannabis at Minshull Street Crown Court.
Hall had originally contacted the 14-year-old in August 2014 via an instant messaging application and befriended her over a number of months.
Detective Constable Christian Julien said: “Hall initiated the contact with his victim and plied her with gifts, making her feel he really cared for her.
“All along, his aim was to befriend her and attempt to sexually exploit her due to her vulnerability and age.
“However, thanks to her bravery in supporting our investigation, we have been able to build a successful prosecution which has resulted in Hall spending time behind bars.”
Hall often met his victim after she finished school, and gave her money, sweets, food and drink as he gained her trust.
On Friday September 19, Hall drove his victim to Daisy Nook Country Park in Ashton-under-Lyne and gave her cocaine and ketamine. Due to the effects of the drug, she was admitted to hospital.
The police were called and Hall was arrested.
“We are committed to tackling child sexual exploitation in the area and protect our children,” said Detective Constable Julien.
“This investigation, alongside Operation Phoenix, has gone a long way in ensuring this but we are determined to bring more offenders to justice.”
Image courtesy of GMP, with thanks.
