A 'SEXUAL predator' from Winsford has been jailed after grooming a teenage girl over nine months.

Michael Walker, of Yellowhammer Crescent, began abusing the girl in August 2020 before it ended the following April.

His victim reported her ordeal to the police in August 2021, leading to the 45-year-old's arrest.

And after being questioned, Walker was charged with eight counts of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a child and one count of causing/inciting a teenager to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity.

Walker, who had previously denied but was found guilty of all nine counts, appeared at Cheshire Magistrates Court today (December 2) for sentencing.

He was jailed for two years and four months and given a 10-year restraining order. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also imposed.

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Herminder Hira, who led the investigation, said: "I am pleased with the outcome of this case, and I hope it provides reassurance to the victim and her family.

"It was apparent throughout the investigation that Walker is a sexual predator, he preyed on his victim’s vulnerabilities and had no regard for the effects his actions would have on the victim or her family.

"I would like to thank the victim for showing such bravery throughout this investigation, and her family for the support they have provided, both to their daughter and the investigation throughout.

"This has greatly assisted the police in bringing Walker to justice and helped to safeguard the wider community going forward.

"I also hope this case and encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us.

"We treat reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority."

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone who has, please call us on 101 or visit the force's website.

Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.