A man has become a convicted paedophile after being caught trying to arrange sexual activity with a child.

Damien Saunders, of Meadow Court in Pewsey, appeared at Swindon Crown Court for sentencing last month after pleading guilty to one charge at an earlier hearing in August.

Between April and July this year, the 40-year-old intentionally arranged or facilitated an act which would involve the commission of an offence under section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, namely sexual activity with a child.

The defendant has been sentenced to two years in prison for arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

Saunders also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

Investigating Officer Trainee Detective Constable Daniel Smith said: “We know that it can be daunting to report incidents of sexual abuse, but I want to reassure the public or anyone affected that we take all reports of this nature incredibly seriously.

“Victims and survivors of sexual exploitation are at the centre of any investigations we take on and it is essential that it progresses at a speed which they are comfortable with, to ensure that they feel wholly supported throughout.

“Our message will always be that we’re ready when they are, that they’ll be listened to, and that they’ll be taken seriously.”

Anyone who suspects that someone is carrying out child sexual exploitation, or thinks someone they know has been a victim, or maybe soon should visit Wiltshire Police's 'How to report possible child abuse' page on the wiltshire.police.uk website, or call the non-emergency number 101.

If someone is in immediate danger of harm, call 999 immediately.

Child sexual exploitation involves situations, contexts or relationships in which a person under 18 is given something, such as food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts or money in return for performing sexual activities or having sexual activities performed on them.

It can also involve violence, coercion and intimidation, with threats of physical harm or humiliation.

In all cases of child sexual exploitation, the person exploiting the child or young person can create the impression of authority over them in some form. 

Sexual exploitation of children can start through the use of technology. They might be persuaded to post images on the internet or via mobile phone.

Violence, coercion and intimidation are common, with a particular vulnerability of the child or young person being used against them.

Wiltshire Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team works with other agencies to minimise the risk to children who may be vulnerable to harm.

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