CAMERON PRESTON

CAMERON PRESTON JAILED FOR DISTURBING SEXUAL ABUSE AND HARASSMENT OF TEENAGE BOY

A "malicious and manipulative" man has been jailed for the sexual abuse of a teenage boy amid a campaign of "disturbing" harassment.

Cameron Preston, 27, formerly of Cherry Tree Crescent, Grimsby, admitted two offences of sexual assault on a child and one of sexual activity with a child, stalking, threatening to disclose images, and three offences of possession of indecent images of children.

The offences began when the victim was under 16, and Preston misrepresented his age to gain the teen's trust.

He launched a campaign of harassment, sending threatening messages and emails, and orchestrated malicious deliveries to the victim, including unwanted taxis and takeaways paid in cash on delivery.

Preston was caught after the victim reported the harassment; police uncovered evidence linking him to the crimes.

When arrested, he made full admissions and showed shame.

He also had indecent images on his phone.

The court sentenced Preston to five years and three months in prison, imposed a ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, along with a restraining order not to contact the victim.

Judge John Thackray KC described the offending as "all very disturbing" and causing "life-long damage." Detective Sergeant Lucy Proctor-Eckley stated Preston deliberately targeted a vulnerable teen for his own gratification and created false identities, arranged malicious deliveries, and tried to isolate the victim from seeking help.

The officer praised the victim's courage and emphasized that such crimes are unacceptable and will be prosecuted.

Preston expressed remorse and showed evidence of 50 takeaway orders, with police also finding indecent images.

The court emphasized the significant harm caused and the seriousness of the offences.