A 24-year-old man has been jailed for three years and four months for sexually exploiting a teenage girl.
Stephen Deegan, of Bengal Square, Ashton-under-Lyne, was sentenced today at Minshull Street Crown Court.
He was also ordered to sign the Sex Offender’s Register indefinitely, after previously pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of sexual communication with a child.
The court heard how Deegan began speaking to the 14-year-old girl from Tameside on Facebook in April 2017.
He repeatedly messaged her on social media and asked her to send him inappropriate images.
In May 2017, Deegan met with the girl in Ashton-Under-Lyne, where he had sex with her on two separate occasions that day.
He told her if anyone found out they would be angry with her.
However, messages between Deegan and the teenager were uncovered by her family and on Tuesday 23 May 2017 the victim told officers everything, leading to his arrest.
PC Mike Allen, of GMP’s Operation Phoenix Tameside team, said: “Firstly I would like to commend this young girl for having the courage to report these incidents to the police.
“Deegan knew full well how old the girl was but took advantage and continued to pursue her for his own disturbed pleasure, even though he knew it was wrong.
“His actions have had a profound effect on the victim and her family. I hope that after today’s result they can move forward with their lives and take some comfort from knowing that justice has been served and Deegan is now behind bars.
“I want to express my gratitude to our partners who ultimately helped us achieve the result we have today.”
Project Phoenix continues to develop Greater Manchester’s response to CSE. Please visitwww.itsnotokay.co.uk for information for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals on how to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation and what to do about it.
To report child sexual exploitation, call police on 101 or 999 if a child is in immediate danger. Alternatively, visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk to find contact details for local ‘It’s Not Okay’ team.
