A 19-year-old man from Northwich was sentenced to seven years in prison at Chester Crown Court today (Friday, December 5) for nine offences linked to child sexual exploitation.

Robert Brown, of Lime Avenue, pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, one count of taking indecent photographs of a child, and one count of abducting a child.

The offences were carried out against two victims aged 14 and under between January and July 2014.

The court heard today how Brown had manipulated and exploited them for his own gratification.

They also heard how Brown had given his victims gifts, money and taken them on trips, in order to flatter them and win their trust.

Cheshire police began to investigate Brown when concerned parents contacted them regarding a change in their children’s behaviour.

Sgt John Lyons, of Vale Royal CID, said: "Brown completely manipulated his young victims for his own sexual gratification. He flattered them and provided lavish gifts in order to gain their trust and used this to sexually exploit them.

"The image he presented was that of an entrepreneur and business man with a gift for information technology. He used his apparent wealth to flatter his victims and their peers, all the while with the ultimate motive of satisfying his sexual interests.

"Brown's victims have been left feeling angry and hurt by his actions. It will have a lasting effect upon them as they and their families come to terms with how they have been lured and betrayed by this dangerous and predatory sexual offender.

"This case is a shocking one which shows the lengths that offenders will go to in order to sexually exploit a child. The victims have been left angry and hurt by Brown’s actions, and today’s sentencing has seen him be brought to justice for his actions.

"Cheshire police do not tolerate child sexual exploitation and I would personally like to urge any parents or victims who think they are being exploited to contact us."

For more information on child sexual exploitation, visit www.knowandsee.co.uk.