Barnstaple man jailed for child sexual offences
A Barnstaple man has been jailed for 32 months for sexual offences against a child.
Daniel Mansford, 26, of Rumsam Gardens, previously changed his plea to guilty on the day of his trial at Exeter Crown Court on Monday 29 June. He admitted to five offences of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged under 16.
The offences took place during a period of six months when the victim was 14 years old.
The court heard that Mansford had been aware of her age from the outset but continued to groom her, including on social media.
The offences came to light when the victim bravely confided in a teacher.
Mansford was arrested by Devon & Cornwall Police and provided no comment during the interview.
Police obtained screenshots of messages from the victim’s phone which showed the sexualised content Mansford had sent her.
Mansford was sentenced yesterday, Thursday 3 September, at Exeter Crown Court, to 32 months imprisonment and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order.
Devon & Cornwall Police investigator Neil Young, of North Devon CID, said: “The defendant knew that the victim was a child. As soon as Mansford became aware of the victim's age, he should have immediately ended all contact.
“Instead, he made a conscious decision to continue his pursuit, exploit the vulnerabilities of that young person and engage in sexual activity.
“This conviction demonstrates Devon & Cornwall Police’s commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for their actions.”
Support available
If you have been affected by this article there is support available.
You can visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system.
You can also call Victim Support on 0808 1689 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.
Image gallery:
select image to see larger version