A paedophile from Stevenage has been sentenced to four years in prison after admitting five sexual offences, four of which involved a girl under the age of 16.

Gary Emery, of Drakes Drive, was sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court after pleading guilty to sexual activity and inciting sexual activity on a girl under the age of 16, and possessing indecent images of children.

The 43-year-old, who carried out his crimes between June and October 2013, has also been put on the Sexual Offenders Register for life.

Det Con Abby Revell said: “Gary Emery groomed his teenage victim in order to carry out these horrendous crimes and the prison sentence he has been given fully reflects the seriousness of his actions.

“People who commit these offences should face the full force of the law and I would urge any victim who is being abused in this way to contact police. We appreciate this isn’t always easy but we are here to protect you and we will fully support you.”