A 20-YEAR-OLD Fairfield man has been jailed for four years for sexual activity with a school girl.


Sam Harrop, of Harrison Close, exploited his victim, who was 11-years-old when the pair first became friends, by telling her he loved her and that she was the one.


Chester Crown Court heard on Friday how the relationship developed and Harrop would buy the girl gifts and paid her compliments convincing her that if she did not have a relationship with him they could not be friends.


Concerns were raised by the girl's parents in September 2013.


Following his arrest police uncovered text messages and internet chat logs between the pair.


Harrop was also banned from working with children for life and ordered to sign on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years after pleading guilty to 18 charges.


DC Alison Howarth said: “This case has had a profound effect on the victim and her family, the victim is now receiving the necessary help and support she needs to start to move forward with her life.


“I would like to thank the victim and her family for their co-operation, strength and support throughout the investigation and hope that this encourages others who may have experienced something similar to come forward.


“This case highlights the issue of child sexual exploitation and the lengths some offenders will go to to persuade young people to engage in a sexual relationship.


“Harrop purchased gifts for the victim and made her feel special manipulating her to satisfy his own sexual gratification.


“We have a duty to protect those who are most vulnerable within our communities and this case should reassure the public that we take any incidents of this nature extremely seriously and will do all we can to trace those responsible for this type of behaviour and ensure they are punished for their actions.”


Anyone with any information in relation to this type of crime is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.