Man who had sexual relationship with girl he met at youth club spared jail

A man who had a sexual relationship with an underage girl he met at a youth club has been spared jail.

Luke Dee, now 21, first encountered the victim in September 2016, she was 13.

Despite knowing she was underage Dee began a relationship with the girl, often pleading with her to engage in sexual acts, a court heart.

The victim later told police that she had felt pressured to comply because Dee would make her feel guilty for not doing so.

His electronic devices were examined by specialist officers and they revealed evidence of sexual communication with the victim.

At Woolwich Crown Court, Dee pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child, sexual touching of a child, and sexual communication with a child.

He was sentenced to a 24-month community order; a rehabilitation order of 30 days, 100 hours unpaid work, and £250 compensation to the victim.

There is also a notification requirement of five years.

Detective Inspector Laura Hiller said: “The victim in this case has shown strength of character beyond her age and, supported by my team on the Central Specialist Command Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation Team, ensured that Dee was held accountable for his crimes.

“I hope that this sentence brings her and her family a measure of comfort and closure to move on.”

She added: “We cannot be certain that there are not more young girls who Dee has targeted, and who have not yet told someone.

"If you know of any further offences committed by Dee, or if you have been a victim of any sexual offence and not yet spoken to police, come forward and call 101. If you want to talk to someone in confidence, please call ChildLine on 0800 1111.”