Alex Dyson, 22, of Brown Street, Chorley, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court yesterday (Thursday, November 11).

In January 2020, concerns were raised to police about a girl who was being contacted online by a man using Snapchat and WhatsApp accounts.

Officers spoke to the girl, then 12, who confirmed the man was Dyson. During an interview she said Dyson had lured her to a local park, attacking and raping her.

Detectives launched an investigation and uncovered further offences.

Dyson was arrested and charged. He later pleaded guilty at court and was convicted of rape, sexual grooming, causing sexual activity with a child and making of indecent images.

Dyson was handed a 10 year prison sentence, with a further eight years on licence. He will be on the sex offenders’ register for life, has been given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and was also given a lifetime restraining order against the victim.

Det Sergeant Ian Zanelli, of Preston Police’s Exploitation Team, said: “This was a challenging and complex investigation and the sentence is a fantastic result for the victim and her family.

“Dyson is a sexual predator who targeted his victim, preying on her vulnerabilities to carry out shocking and depraved offences. His imprisonment and sentence reflect the gravity of his actions.

“I must praise the victim for her strength in supporting our prosecution. She has showed great courage and bravery in coming forward and reporting the crimes to police.

“Preston Exploitation team is committed to proactively targeting offenders of this type, whether that be online or in person, and will work hard to deliver justice to victims.

“We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse no matter how long ago or who the alleged perpetrator to come forward and report it to us confident in the knowledge we will investigate with professionalism and sensitivity.”