September 2014
Manchester man jailed for grooming 12 year old girl
A man who groomed a 12-year-old girl has been sentenced after police recovered pictures of him kissing her.
Patrick Tuite, (28/02/1989), from Withington, Manchester, admitted four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and sexual grooming.
At Manchester Crown Court today, Thursday 25 September 2014, he was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.
In March 2014, the girl’s parents contacted police, having viewed text messages between Tuite and their daughter.
Four days later officers attended his address and recovered a number of electrical items. Tuite told officers he was “disgusted to say” he knew why they were there.
Some pink children’s knickers were also seized from a locked safe in his room.
Examination of items seized showed how he had groomed the girl between 1 January 2014 and 10 March 2014, calling her ‘baby’ throughout. Four pictures of him kissing the girl in February and March 2013 were also recovered.
Detective Constable Chris Chadderton, said: “Over a period of several weeks Tuite groomed the young girl, showering her with attention and affection.
“Pictures we recover show that this progressed to kissing on at least four occasions.
“He has exhibited classic grooming behaviour and it is a credit to the girl’s parents that her change in demeanour was picked up early on and police called.
“It is really important that parents or guardians are mindful of grooming and exploitation and are able to spot the tell-tale signs because in many cases young victims will not recognise the relationship they are in or are forming is inappropriate and wrong or that they are being taken advantage of.
“Our recent week of action sought to raise awareness and further highlight the issue of child sexual exploitation and more information can be found atwww.itsnotokay.co.uk
“I would encourage anyone who has concerns about grooming or other forms of exploitation to contact the police safe in the knowledge your information will be treated seriously and in absolute confidence.”
