Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Josie Le Vay

Paedophile snared by undercover cops pestering ‘13-year-old girl’ for naked photos

A pervert was caught by undercover police officers trying to pester a 13-year-old girl for naked photos.

Cameron Smith, 36, was jailed after he was snared attempting to message a teenager online.

Smith, of Rochdale, wrote: "I'm looking for friendship maybe swap some pics see if it leads to a relationship or sex".

READ MORE: GMP bosses were warned about 'dangerous, provocative' tactic in hunt for Dale Cregan

The paedophile made increasingly sexual comments to the fake child profile, set up by undercover officers.

Using the display name 'Lotus Greenacre', Smith continuously asked for naked photos to be sent to him before sending a picture of his penis.

Smith admitted attempting to sexually communicate with a child, attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act, attempting to incite a child into sexual activity and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

The pervert, who was also caught trying to message two teenage girls online in 2017, was jailed for four years at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court on Wednesday.

Detective Inspector Suzanne Keenaghan, of GMPs Sexual Crime Unit, said: "Smith has shown no remorse for his actions by breaching the terms of his sexual harm prevention order, which has now thankfully ended with him being locked up for the next few years.

"He has a clear sexual interest in children and he did this all for his own perverted sexual gratification, sparing no thought for the devastating and lasting impact that this could have on his young victims."

The defendant was arrested on April 24 after he was caught messaging a vigilante group.

GMP also received intelligence about Smith from the Metropolitan Police and the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, who informed detectives that Smith had been communicating with an undercover officer who was using a fake profile posing as a 13-year-old girl.

The investigation uncovered that Smith had also been attempting to sexually communicate with other undercover officers that he believed were children.

While in custody, Smith provided a no comment interview to detectives.

Detective Inspector Keenaghan said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to urge anyone who may be, or may know someone who is the victim of sexual abuse to come forward and speak with police.

"No-one should be made to suffer in silence and we have a wide range of specialist services that can provide you with the support you need. Your reports will also be treated with utmost respect and sensitivity."

Greater Manchester Victims' Services provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime and are a confidential service. The service can be contacted by visiting the website on www.gmvictims.org.uk or calling 0161 200 1950.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.