Man jailed over child abduction

A PRESTON man who abducted a 13-year-old boy after befriending him on Facebook, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Mar 2016, 07:30 BST
Updated 10th Mar 2016, 08:36 BST
Kirk YatesKirk Yates
Kirk Yates

Kirk Yates, 18, of Fishergate Hill, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to abduction after he met up with the boy in Skelmersdale several times in August 2015.

He also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

DC Libby Wadsworth from Preston Police said: “Yates befriended and groomed a vulnerable young boy on Facebook.

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“I am happy with the sentence handed out today, which means that more young people are protected from people like Yates.

“We know the internet is now so widely used, especially by young people, but we have to make sure they stay safe.

“I urge parents to keep any eye on what their children are doing while on the internet and understand what websites they are using and who they are speaking to.

“It is important that both adults and children understand the risks.”

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Anybody with information or concerns about a person being groomed on the internet can contact police on 101 or call Operation Deter on 01772 209122.

Alternatively people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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