April 2021

Man who sexually exploited an underage girl jailed

A pervert who sexually exploited an underage girl after providing her with alcohol and cigarettes has been jailed.

Robert Whitfield Gaskell, 29, of Whiteacre Road, Ashton-under-Lyne has been sentenced to four years in prison at Manchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation offences, including engaging in sexual activity with a child under 16.

In May 2018, Gaskell struck up a relationship with a schoolgirl.

He offered her drugs and provided her with alcohol and cigarettes, and isolated her from her friends and family, knowing that she was under-age.

The victim bravely came forward with evidence and following a thorough investigation Gaskell was apprehended.

An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order has also been imposed, Gaskell will be required to sign the Sex Offender’s Register, and a five-year restraining order has also been put in place.