Man jailed for eight years after sexually abusing child in Hereford and Leeds
Samuel Sutcliffe has been convicted of a number of sexual offences involving a child
A 29-year-old man has been jailed for eight years and six months after sexually abusing a child in Hereford and Leeds.
Samuel Sutcliffe, of Rothwell in Leeds, was previously found guilty of:
- Two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child aged 13 to 15
- One count of non-penetrative sexual activity with a child aged 13 to 15
- Two counts of causing/inciting non-penetrative sexual activity with a child aged 13 to 15
- Two counts of taking an indecent photo or pseudo photo of a child
Worcester Crown Court heard Sutcliffe first contacted the girl in 2021 through an online gaming platform.
He later added her on Facebook before moving their conversations to WhatsApp, using pseudonyms.
Sutcliffe then sent the girl indecent images and pressured her to meet him.
The court heard he sexually abused her on several occasions.
Concerns were raised by the girl's carers after she went missing to meet Sutcliffe, and police were alerted.
He was later arrested by South Yorkshire Police in Leeds.
As well as his prison sentence, Sutcliffe must also register as a sex offender for ten years and is subject to a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He was also ordered to pay a £190 victim surcharge.
Detective Constable Lia Williams of Hereford CID said: “We are pleased to get this custodial term for Sutcliffe, who preyed on a vulnerable teenage girl for his own perverted gratification."
She added: “This case also highlights the need for responsible adults to monitor their children’s online activities and report any concerns to us if they feel something is not right or they may be being exploited.”