A "MANIPULATIVE" sex offender who targeted a 13-year-old girl has been jailed for seven years.

Stuart Penny, of Pinewood Close in Salisbury, admitted a string of sex offences that took place between December 2015 and April 2016, and was jailed for seven years and two months at Salisbury Crown Court in December.

The 52-year-old's victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 13 at the time.

Detective Constable Jackie Allen, from Salisbury CID, said: “I would like to pay tribute to the young victim in this case who has shown immense bravery in speaking to police about the abuse she suffered.

“Penny is a manipulative sex offender who groomed his victim and initially denied the offences, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

“Here at Wiltshire Police we are committed to bringing these types of offenders to justice, and I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse to come forward and speak to us about what has happened to you.”

Penny pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a child under 16, inciting a child aged between 13 and 15 to view images of sexual activity, inciting a child under the age of 16 to engage in sexual activity and possession of extreme pornographic images.

To report sexual abuse please phone police on 101 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Victims can also seek support and counselling from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) based at the New Swindon Sanctuary - they can be contacted on the 24-hour helpline 0808 168 0024.

The NSPCC Helpline can also be contacted on 0808 800 5000, by anyone seeking support and advice.