HULL MAN CONVICTED OF GROOMING AND EXPLOITING UNDERAGE GIRLS ONLINE
A man targeted girls on social media and blackmailed them to send explicit images.David Brennan, 41, of Peppleton Close in Hull, groomed and then met with girls aged between 12 and 14, Humberside Police said.
He was found guilty of a string of sexual offences, including paying for sexual services of a child and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, following a three-week trial at Hull Crown Court.
Brennan, who pleaded guilty to seven charges, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 18 July.
Det Sgt Stuart Fox stated that officers seized Brennan's phone and electronic devices after reports of young girls being approached via social media.
He explained that the analysis showed Brennan knowingly communicated and coerced young girls, often seeking them out, luring them with the promise of financial gain, and then blackmailing and manipulating them into sending photos or meeting up after grooming them.
Brennan also sent sexually explicit photos of himself and threatened the girls if they did not comply.
Fox added that Brennan refused to admit full responsibility, subjecting the girls and their families to further trauma just to maintain control over them.
