Peter Radford was described as a “predatory paedophile” by Lancashire Police

A Preston man who groomed a 13-year-old on the internet before sexual assaulting her has been jailed.

Peter Radford was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for having sexual activity with as child.

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The 30-year-old made contact with the girl online and convinced her to travel to Preston from Merseyside.

The girl stayed with Radford at his then home in Brookfield where the sexual acts were committed.

She was found by police after her parents reported her missing.

Acting Detective Inspector Warren Atkinson from Preston Police said: “I am extremely pleased with the judge’s sentencing. Radford is clearly a predatory paedophile and a sentence totalling four and a half years sends a strong message to anyone thinking of engaging in this kind of activity.

“As with all reports of this type of sexual offence, the victim was dealt with by specialist officers from Preston’s Operation Deter Team. They ensured we could obtain the best evidence to present at court and that the victim received quality support throughout the court process.

“I would like to encourage the community of Preston to contact the Operation Deter Team if they believe they have been victim of, or witness to this type of offending. We will always listen to and support victims and will always do all we can to bring any offenders to justice.”