Sexually abused a child after grooming her via Whats App.

Man Jailed for Sexually Abusing Child After Grooming

Robert Barnes, 28, of Farhalls Crescent, Horsham, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison for sexually abusing a child after grooming her via mobile phone.

Barnes sent the girl sexual images of himself through WhatsApp and attempted to persuade her to send him similar images. The abuse took place at his previous address in Nicolson Way, Sevenoaks.

He was arrested on June 12, 2014, following reports of concern to police. Barnes refused to cooperate during police questioning, but his mobile phone, which contained evidence of the messages he sent his victim, was seized.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Barnes was found guilty of three counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, two counts of attempting to entice a child into sexual activity, and one count of grooming.

Detective Constable David Turner of Kent Police's public protection unit stated that Barnes groomed his victim with the intention of committing sexual offenses against her. Turner emphasized that Barnes was fully aware of his actions and exploited a vulnerable young person for his own gratification.

Sussex Police urged the public to help them recognize the signs of child sexual exploitation, which involves the manipulation or coercion of young people under 18 into sexual activity. The police explained that such exploitation often takes the form of exchange, where children engage in sexual activity in exchange for money, gifts, accommodation, or other benefits.

A Sussex Police spokesperson highlighted the challenge of identifying child sexual exploitation, as it is often misunderstood by victims and outsiders as a consensual relationship. They emphasized that victims may be tricked into believing they are in a loving relationship, but the law clearly states that no child under 18 can consent to abuse or exploitation.