A man who sexually exploited an underage teenage girl after providing her with alcohol and cigarettes has been jailed.
Robert Whitfield Gaskell, aged 29 of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne has been sentenced to four years in prison at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation offences, including engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16.
In May 2018, Gaskell struck up a relationship with a teenage girl. He offered her drugs and provided her with alcohol and cigarettes, and isolated her from her friends and family, knowing that she was under-age.
Thankfully, the victim bravely came forward with evidence, and following a thorough investigation Gaskell was apprehended.
An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order has also been imposed, Gaskell will be required to sign the Sex Offender’s Register, and a five year restraining order has also been put in place.
Detective Constable Masheter of the Phoenix Tameside CSE Team said: “Child Sexual Exploitation takes place in many forms. In this case the defendant commenced a sexual relationship with the victim, knowing full well that she was a school child.”
“I would like to thank the victim for having the courage to report these matters to Police and hope this result has provided her with some justice when coming to terms with what she has experienced because of the defendant’s actions.
“GMP will always pursue those who think it’s acceptable to pursue minors for their own sexual gain.”
