A man who sexually exploited an underage teenage girl after providing her with alcohol and cigarettes has been jailed.
Robert Whitfield Gaskell, (06/12/91) of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne has yesterday (Thursday 15 March) been sentenced to four years in prison at Manchester Crown Court (Minshull Street) 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 for life, 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.”
Project Phoenix continues to develop Greater Manchester’s response to CSE. Please visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk for information for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals on how to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation and what to do about it.
Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
– Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
