Man jailed for child sex offences

Richard Inkles (34), of Tithebarn Lane, Woodhouse, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault by touching against a child under 13 and one charge of meeting a child following sexual grooming.

He was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday.

The court heard Inkles met his victim online in July 2014 and the pair began messaging using the mobile phone app Dingtone.

The messages soon became sexually explicit and Inkles encouraged his victim to send intimate pictures to him.

They arranged to meet up in the Rotherham area last October, which is when Inkles sexually assaulted the girl.

They met up a second time and again Inkles assaulted his victim.

Inkles was arrested in November 2014 after the victim’s mum found messages of a sexual nature from him on her daughter’s phone and contacted police.

Investigating officer PC Natasha Wylde said: “This man preyed on a young girl who was vulnerable due to her age and groomed her for his own gratification, the effects of which cannot be underestimated.

“Inkles at least spared her the ordeal of reliving the abuse in court by pleading guilty, which is some small consolation.

“Hopefully, this will allow the victim and her family to try to put this behind them and we are committed to ensuring she receives all the support she needs to move forward with her life.

“I would also like to encourage parents and carers to consider internet safety and ensure their child is staying safe online.”

If you have concerns about a young person contact South Yorkshire Police on 101 or the new national helpline Say Something on 116 000.

q For more information about internet safety visit www.ceop.police.uk/safetycentre.