A man who tried to sexually exploit a young Cheshire girl through social media has been arrested.
Christopher Edwards was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court, where he was imprisoned for nine years.
The 37-year-old from Failsworth previously pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child and attempted to meet a girl under the age of 16 after grooming himself and breaking a sexual risk regulation.
Fees apply to social media activity between Sunday November 1st and Tuesday December 22nd.
Edwards was caring for a Cheshire teenage boy on social media.
Edwards was aware that the Warrington girl he was caring for was only 14 years old, and he nonetheless sent her a series of sexually explicit pictures and messages.
On one of the messages, he told the girl that he had booked a hotel room in Warrington and offered to pay her for sex.
The victim reported the news to Cheshire Police.
On Friday, January 15, an arrest warrant was arrested at Edwards’ house in Failsworth and he was arrested.
Following the conviction, Warrington Problem Solving Team officer Hannah Barton said, “Christopher Edwards contacted his victim on social media and bombarded her with sexual messages, even though he knew she was only 14 years old.
“He even went so far as to book a hotel room for the two of them to meet and said he would pay her to have sex.
Fortunately, the victim contacted the police before a meeting took place and the team here in Warrington opened an investigation that ultimately led to Edward’s arrest and conviction.
“This case shows the dangers of social media.
“I hope it will remind all parents and guardians to warn their children of the dangers of communicating with people on social media, to make sure they are using it safely, and to look out for warning signs of sexual exploitation. ”
For advice on identifying signs of sexual exploitation, see https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/child-sexual-exploitation/.
To report a sexual offense, call the Cheshire Constabulary at 101. Information can also be provided online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
