A Salford man has been jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to numerous child sex offences committed over a period of more than a year.
Peter Declan West aged 34 of Alder Street, received his sentence today at Manchester Crown Court.
Beginning in December 2024, West began grooming a 13-year-old girl online. Initially beginning as text conversations, this evolved into more explicit and inappropriate chats.
After screenshots were discovered by the father of the girl, West was reported and then arrested by officers in June 2025.
He answered no comment to all questions when interviewed, and was released on bail to allow officers to gather more evidence.
It was soon found out that West and the girl had engaged in sexual activity, after officers downloaded material from his phone.
West would pick the girl up from Oldham and drive her to his home in Salford, where he would emotionally manipulate the girl.
The girl, having been groomed for a significant amount of time, was originally conflicted about what to do during the process, due to the manipulative actions of West.
However, she bravely spoke about the crimes she had endured, and which helped ensure West was arrested, charged, and prosecuted.
In addition to his eight-year sentence, he has received an additional extended licence period of six years.
Detective Constable Bethany Hulmes, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “West groomed and manipulated a young girl to engage in sexual activity, abusing her trust to make her think he cared for her.
“However, West cared for no-one but himself and his vile actions rightfully mean he is now behind bars for several years.
“I want to pay tribute to the young victim and her family in this case – they have endured so much over the last couple of years, and I hope today’s result can bring them some level of closure.
