Below is a statement from the NSPCC about Tyrone Carter, 26, of Beckenham Hill Road, London, who has been jailed for grooming a vulnerable teenage girl.

He pleaded guilty to three offences at Woolwich Crown Court on 16 Friday.

He met his victim in November 2015 and began grooming her before engaging in a sexual relationship with her. He gained her trust and encouraged her to become secretive about their relationship. As a result of his influence and the belief they were in a ‘loving relationship’ she started to go missing from home. He bought her gifts and provided her with secret telephones to keep in contact.

In November 2015 he was issued with an Abduction Warning Notice by the police but that didn’t deter him from associating with the her.

STATEMENT:

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Carter is predatory criminal who managed to dupe a young, vulnerable girl into believing they were in a ‘loving relationship’.

“Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is sometimes referred to as a ‘hidden’ crime as young people often trust their abuser and don't understand that they're being abused. They may depend on their abuser or be too scared to tell anyone what's happening. This is why we must all be alert to what is happening in our communities. By spotting the signs we can stop child sexual exploitation in its tracks.

“Anyone worried about a child can contact our trained helpline counsellors for 24/7 help, advice and support on 0808 800 5000. Information about CSE can also be found on the website www.nspcc.org.uk”