Jamie Hollingsworth, aged 37, of Turbary Park Avenue was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 4 October after being found guilty at an earlier trial of causing or inciting a child under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He was sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison, as well as being made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for an indefinite period and was also placed on the sex offender’s register for life.

The charges related to the repeated abuse of a young girl over a nine-month period.

Hollingsworth was arrested on 11 February 2021 after the victim made disclosures to her family and they reported the matter to police.

Detective Constable Jo Shewbridge, of Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT), said: “I want to praise the young victim in this case and her family for having the courage to come forward and for the support they have given throughout the investigation and court process.

“Through their bravery, Jamie Hollingsworth has been forced to face the consequences of his abusive behaviour. I hope this might inspire others who have been the victims of sexual offences to come forward in the knowledge that they will be supported and we will do all we can to bring offenders to justice.”

Suspected child abuse can be reported to Dorset Police. For non-urgent reports, or to make an enquiry, please go to www.dorset.police.uk/contact where you can pass on the details of your concerns using the online enquiry form. You can also email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or call 101. If you believe a child is in immediate danger dial 999.

You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Useful contacts
STARS Dorset www.starsdorset.org/children-and-young-persons-service / 01202 308858
The Shores – Dorset SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) 01202 552 056
BCP Council 01202 093131
Dorset Council (Children’s Advice and Duty Service) 01305 228866
You can also report directly to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) www.ceop.police.uk

For more information visit: 
• Child Online Safety Advice: https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/crime-prevention-help-advice/cyber-crime/child-online-safety/
• NWG: http://www.nwgnetwork.org/
• Barnardos: http://www.barnardos.org.uk
• NSPCC 0808 800 5000, help@nspcc.org.uk, www.nspcc.org.uk/childsexualexploitation 
• National Helpline for male victims of CSE: 07808 863 662
• UK safer internet centre website: www.saferinternet.org.uk
• CEOP resources suitable for parents and children of different ages: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
• Concerned about your thoughts or behaviour? Visit: www.stopitnow.org.uk
• Child Online Safety: www.internetmatters.org