A MAN has been jailed for 12 years after systematically grooming a young girl and sharing indecent images online.

Terence Horner, aged 63, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of a child aged under 13 and making, possessing and distributing indecent images.

He admitted the offences, which took place in Radcliffe, at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to 12 years in prison at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court today (Thursday).

On April 21 last year, after receiving information from a partner agency regarding indecent images being shared online, police arrested Horner for possessing indecent images and had his phone and computer seized.

Investigators found more than 10,000 indecent images of children, some of which has been shared online.

They also discovered that he had groomed an 8-year-old girl, taking several indecent images, and on one occasion sexually assaulted her.

Detectives identified the victim and prevented her from further harm.

Detective Sergeant Darren Roughneen of GMP’s Bury borough, said: “The fact Horner sexually assaulted a young girl shows he knew no bounds when it came to exploiting children.

“He uploaded indecent pictures online where they could be seen by anyone who found them, with no care about the innocent children he’d taken advantage of.

“I hope that every parent can sleep a little easier tonight, knowing Horner is behind bars and unable to exploit vulnerable, young girls anymore.

“I also hope that this sentence will send a clear message that we are prepared to relentlessly and tirelessly pursue those who exploit vulnerable, young children to ensure that they are protected from further harm”

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