Teenager who sexually groomed two young girls.

A teenager who sexually groomed two young girls has been sentenced to three years in a young offenders institution after admitting his crimes.

Brandon Vernon, 18, of Fountains Avenue, Eyres Monsell, Leicester, sent "highly sexualised" messages to his victims, despite knowing they were both under the age of consent.

The investigation began in late December 2019 when the mother of one of the girls contacted police, raising concerns about Vernon's behavior. Both girls were interviewed by police, revealing the extent of Vernon's offending.

In February, Vernon pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court to two counts of sexual activity with a child, one of sexual communication with a child, and one of distributing an indecent image of a child in relation to his first victim. He also pleaded guilty to one count of sexual communication with a child and two of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity regarding the second victim.

Leicestershire Police released a detailed account of the case, stating that Vernon was arrested in January after a second parent expressed concern about their daughter's involvement with him. The second victim also disclosed that she had met Vernon through a friend and they began messaging each other, often with sexual references.

Detective Sergeant Jim Muzzell, from the force's child sexual exploitation team, emphasized that Vernon continued to pursue relationships with the children despite knowing their ages. He sent explicit messages and engaged in sexual activity with one of the victims.

"As a consequence of his actions, he has left two young girls trying to cope with their experience," Det Con Muzzell said. "There is a possibility that there may be other girls who have been in contact with Vernon and could be further victims."

Police are urging anyone who may have been in contact with Vernon and believe they may also have been a victim to come forward. "We have a number of specialist officers available to speak to you and guide you through that process," Det Con Muzzell added.

Vernon has been issued with an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him from contacting both victims and a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. He has also been placed on the sex offender register for life.