Five girls, aged 13 to 16, bravely came forward to give evidence against Atkinson. Two of the victims were from the Doncaster area with the others from the Leeds, Gainsborough and Rotherham areas. The court heard that the victims made it clear to Atkinson how old they were when communicating with him on social media. One of the girls, aged 13 when she was initially contacted by Atkinson, told officers at interview that her ‘heart sank’ whenever he made contact with her. She feared he would never go away as every time she had tried to get away from him he would come back again via a different social media platform. Another victim, aged 15 at the time, said at interview that the only reason she sent graphic videos of herself to Atkinson was because he was blackmailing her saying he would post pictures of her on Facebook if she didn’t. She said this made her feel sick and disgusted in herself. Atkinson, who was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, was also made subject of a sexual harm prevention order, a restraining order not to contact the victims and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. Speaking after his sentencing, Detective Constable Richard Hewitt, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The girls who were subject of Atkinson’s offending were so brave to come forward and speak out, giving some very upsetting interviews about their traumatic experiences. “They showed great courage in keeping it together during a lengthy court process and that’s great credit to them. “Atkinson is a loathsome individual who threatened his victims into adhering to his demands. “His actions were nothing short of disgusting but thankfully this sexual deviant is now behind bars.” An NSPCC spokesman said: “Atkinson believed he could get away with exploiting children but has rightly been brought to justice. “We hope the girls who bravely came forward to the police now receive the necessary help and support to overcome what has happened to them. “Atkinson’s behaviour is another example of how groomers use social media to prey on children so it is vital parents and carers talk to their children about staying safe online.” Advice is available at www.net-aware.org.uk or through the NSPCC and O2’s online safety helpline on 0808 8005002. by TaboolaSponsored LinksPromoted Stories How this app teaches you a language in 3 weeks! Babbel Know The 4 Key Industries IIOT Will Revolutionize BloombergQuint XLRI brings Project Management Certification for senior professionals XLRI Doing International Business? Get Better Rates On Payments Payoneer Plus Hitler’s Last Surviving Bunker Finally Discovered Trend Chaser Leftover iPhone stocks worth $619 selling for under $40! Madbid.com Your Birth Date Should Be Compatible With Your Name. Then Only You Can Get Success In Life. Knowastro.com This Residential Tower in Thane (W) Comes With a Swimming Pool Rustomjee Urbania That’s How You Find Super Cheap Flights! Save70 Get involved in the discussion and have your say … Sign in Sponsored LinksMore Stories Upto 70% off on Trendy & Comfortable Casual Shoes Footprint 360 Enroll for Advertising & PR course from MICA MICA Missing Father Found After 23 Years Leaves Cops Speechless LifeDaily.com Like taking photos? Join Millions of photography fans going crazy about this new photo game. GuruShots – The World’s Greatest Photography Game by Taboola Trending Bakery giant fined £1.9m after worker hurt at Eastwood factory RUMOUR MILL: Gareth Bale set for sensational move to Manchester United ‘Somebody has got to be killed first’ RUMOURS: Rooney heads to Everton, Morata to plug the gap, Rudiger… Giltbrook’s bacon butties are best in UK More from News Jayne is a firm believer in fate Nottingham dates are off as Love Letters tour is cancelled U-turn on spud van decision Giltbrook’s bacon butties are best in UK Follow Us On Explore News Sport Lifestyle What’s On More from the Eastwood & Kimberley Advertiser Announcements Buy a Photo Cars Directory Dating Jobs Local Guide Property Public Notices Useful Links Contact us Advertise My Business Place your ads Subscribe © 2017 Johnston Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Disclaimer Cookies Policy
[Source”indianexpress”]
