Man jailed for child sex offences

Keith Forster, of Hope Street, Leigh, sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl and had taken indecent photographs of his victim, police said.

The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to 10 counts relating to sexual activity with a child under 13 and owning indecent images of children and was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday.

In July of last year officers from Greater Manchester Police executed a warrant at Forster’s home and seized his computer.

After forensic examination, detectives discovered thousands of indecent images of children on the computer.

Further investigation uncovered that Forster had sexually assaulted the seven-year-old.

Det Con Daniel King of GMP’s Wigan division said: “Keith Forster was a calculating individual who groomed a young girl’s family over a considerable period of time in order to sexually abuse their young girl. The extent of his predatory crimes were uncovered when officers searched his home and discovered thousands of indecent images of children on his computer including those of the victim.

“I hope the sentence passed today will send a clear message that GMP will not tolerate any form of child sexual exploitation and we, along with our partners, will continue to support victims and investigate all reports that are made.

“I would like to thank the family for the unbelievable support they have given to us and the bravery they have shown throughout the whole of this investigation.

“Tackling the sexual exploitation of children and young people is an absolute priority for GMP, but protecting them is the responsibility of us all. It is crucial that we work together to identify individuals who prey on vulnerable children and empower young people to speak up.”

Please visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk for information for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals on how to spot the signs of child sex exploitation and what to do about it.