A WESTBURY paedophile has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison for a string of sexual offences against children.

Jarod Tasdelen, 19, of Eden Vale Road, was charged with 16 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and four counts of causing a child to engage in a sex act at Swindon Crown Court yesterday (Thursday).

The victims were three females aged 12,14 and 14 at the time of the offences.

He pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing and will also be placed on the sex offenders register for seven years alongside the prison sentence.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Mark Luffman said: "This case is a good example of how Wiltshire Police is working to disrupt Child Sexual Exploitation in our communities and protect vulnerable people.

“The Trowbridge CID team and in particular Detective Constable Justine Parsons and Detective Constable Paula Manley worked tirelessly to bring a predatory offender to justice.

“In this case Jarod Tasdelen carried out a systematic pattern of grooming to develop a ‘boyfriend/girlfriend’ relationship in order to sexually abuse girls much younger than himself.

“Inappropriate relationships such as these are just one of the ways in which Child Sexual Exploitation can take place.

“Understanding and being able to spot the potential signs of CSE is crucial and everyone can play a part in tackling the abuse of children by being aware of what to look out for and how to report concerns.

“Our officers have been working with schools to provide young people with information on what CSE is, the possible signs and how to report it.

“We also engage with taxi companies, transport companies, hoteliers and restaurateurs to ensure that they have the information they need to spot signs of potential abuse.

“Last year Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council set up the Emerald team to work collaboratively to tackle Child Sexual Exploitation.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to focus on children being sexually abused, or who are at high risk of being sexually abused by way of sexual exploitation.

“Reporting these crimes is also vital. Knowing or suspecting that a child is being sexually abused can be incredibly traumatic and we understand that reporting concerns is not easy but to protect the child it is vital that you speak out.

“We take all reports of abuse extremely seriously. If you are concerned about a child but you don’t think they are in immediate danger, call 101 and ask to speak to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

“If you know or suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.”

An NSPCC spokesman for South West England said: “This was a deeply disturbing case in which Tasdelen meticulously groomed three vulnerable young girls with the sole intention of earning their trust so he could sexually abuse and exploit them.

“He was fully aware of their ages but continued with his despicable behaviour regardless. This kind of predatory activity can ruin childhoods, with the devastating effects lasting into adulthood. Tesdelen’s victims will now need support to recover.” 

Any adult concerned about the welfare of a child or young person can call the NSPCC helpline for free 24/7 on 0808 800 5000. Meanwhile, children can call ChildLine on 0800 1111.