Paedophile jailed after grooming girl, 13, on Facebook

A MAN who groomed a 13-year-old girl on Facebook has been jailed for four years.

Gareth Kelm (23), set up a fake profile to target and groom a girl online for a number of weeks.

The paedophile, of Wordsworth Avenue, Balby, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court last Thursday (20) charged with two counts of inciting sexual activity with a child under 16.

The court heard how detectives launched an investigation in July 2014 after concerns were raised by the girl’s parents that she had been receiving inappropriate messages on Facebook.

Kelm was arrested and interviewed and entered guilty pleas to the charges at an earlier hearing.

Investigating officer Det Con David Whitehouse said: “Kelm’s disgusting actions were made worst by the fact that he tried to conceal his identity, lie about his age, and continue to groom his victim, despite knowing her true age.

“His actions are nothing short of despicable and have had a significant impact on the victim.

“This was a long and complex investigation and I’d like to praise the victim in her bravery in coming forward.”

Kelm was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and ordered to sign the sex offenders register.