NSPCC Cymru has called the grooming of a young girl on Facebook 'every parent's worst nightmare'
CHILDREN'S charity NSPCC Cymru has called a case of an Afan Valley man who groomed a young teenager on Facebook before having sex with her "every parent's worst nightmare".
Mark Harris was jailed for seven years and seven months at Swansea Crown Court after pleading guilty to grooming and inciting a child.
The court heard the 25-year-old approached the girl on a social media site and began an online relationship, telling her he loved her and even cutting her name into his body and sending her a picture of the wound.
Harris, of Commercial Street in Abergwynfi, was already on the sex offenders register for a previous incident where he plied a 12-year-old girl with alcohol and raped her.
As he was sent down, the defendant was described as someone who was "abnormally attracted to the idea of sexual activity with underage girls".
A spokesman for NSPCC Cymru said the internet could be used as a "gateway" by abusers.
He said: "This case is every parent's worst nightmare and highlights the dangers children can face online.
"Online safety is one of the major 21st Century child protection issues and we know that the internet is used as a gateway by abusers to commit hundreds of offences against children each year.
"Harris groomed a vulnerable girl with the sole intention of abusing her.
"He had a complete disregard for the effect his actions would have on his victim, who will now need to be given help and support to overcome what has happened to her."
ChildLine is available 24/7 on 0800 1111 to offer confidential advice to youngsters. Adults concerned about the welfare of a child can call NSPCC Cymru on 0808 8005000
Read more at http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/sex-offender-s-facebook-grooming-every-parent-s-worst-nightmare/story-29961522-detail/story.html#MV3tP93DByrQjHit.99
No comments:
Post a Comment