Internet abuser raped 12-year-old girl

Liam Sycamore, of Asterley Drive, in Cleveland, admitted rape and sexual activity with a child when he appeared at Sheffield Crown Court in November 2013.

He was sentenced today at the same court which heard how he had befriended the 12-year-old in April 2011, using a virtual chatroom on which he pretended to be younger.

Despite being aware of her age, Sycamore began to groom the girl, eventually convincing her to meet when he travelled to South Yorkshire.

Following a report to the police in December 2011, he was arrested with assistance from officers at Cleveland Police.

Sycamore also pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images.

Detective Constable Gareth Gent said: “In order to make friends with the girl, Sycamore used a chatroom and pretended to be younger. After targeting the young girl online, this offender was then willing to travel across the country to engage in sexual activity with a child.

“As the investigation progressed, we also uncovered a number of indecent images on his computer.”

South Yorkshire Police is advising parents to teach their children how to use the internet safely and to be alert to the risks.

DC Gent added: “I would urge all parents to speak with their children who use the internet and keep them safe by telling them not to give out personal information – such as their name, email, phone number, home address, or school name – to people who they do not know.”

Anyone with concerns that a child may have been approached by a suspicious adult online, should report this to police as soon as possible by calling 101