Michael Haw
A man who inappropriately touched a teenage girl who he had invited into his home after promising her drugs has been jailed for 14 months.
Michael Haw, 40 and of Poole, was found guilty following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court of sexual activity with a child and two counts of witness intimidation.
He was found not guilty of other sexual offences involving children.
Haw was sentenced on Friday 11 March 2016 at the same court to 14 months imprisonment and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.
The court heard that on a number of occasions Haw invited teenage girls, aged between 14 and 15, into his home with the promise of drugs. On one occasion he inappropriately touched one of the girls.
He also sent Snapchat messages to two of the girls, causing them distress and making them feel threatened and intimidated.
Detective Inspector Andy Bell, of Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “I would like to praise the bravery and courage of the victims in this case for coming forward to report these crimes and supporting the prosecution.
“We are pro-actively targeting offenders of child sexual exploitation and this case highlights that we will relentlessly pursue suspected offenders and bring them to justice.
“CSE is a Force priority and Dorset Police works closely with partner agencies, including children social care and schools, to ensure children are safeguarded and protected from sexual abuse and exploitation.
“I would encourage any victims of abuse or exploitation to come forward and talk to us on 101.”
Those abusing children are urged to seek professional help from either their GP or another professional organisation such as Stop it Now! of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
