A 20-year-old man from Warrington has been sent to a young offenders’ institution for four years after pleading guilty to a string of sex offences involving a school girl.
Sam Harrop (pictured), of Harrison Close, Warrington, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.
He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and banned from working with children for life.
The court was told the school girl was only 11 when she first formed a friendship with Harrop.
Over time their relationship developed and Harrop exploited the girl, telling her that he loved her and that “she was the one”.
He bought her gifts and paid her compliments convincing her that if she didn’t have a relationship with him they couldn’t be friends.
Concerns were raised by the girl’s parents in September last year and following his arrest, evidence was found showing the full extent of his relationship with the girl.
This included text messages and internet chat logs between the pair.
It also included evidence of sexual activity between the pair on a number of occasions.
After the hearing, DC Alison Howarth said: “This case has had a profound effect on the victim and her family. The victim is now receiving the necessary help and support she needs to start to move forward with her life.
“I would like to thank the victim and her family for their co-operation, strength and support throughout the investigation and hope that this encourages others who may have experienced something similar to come forward.
“This case highlights the issue of child sexual exploitation and the lengths some offenders will go to persuade young people to engage in a sexual relationship.
“Harrop purchased gifts for the victim and made her feel special, manipulating her to satisfy his own sexual gratification.
“We have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities and this case should reassure the public that we take any incidents of this nature extremely seriously and will do all we can to trace those responsible for this type of behaviour and ensure they are punished for their actions.”
Four years for string of sex offences
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
