Teen convicted for 'paedophile manual'

Daniel O'Neill

A FAILSWORTH man who had sexual activity with a child has become the first person in Greater Manchester to be sentenced for possessing a "paedophile manual".

Daniel O'Neill (19) of Warwick Road, Failsworth pleaded guilty to owning the document which contained advice and guidance on sexually abusing children.

He was sentenced to four years and two months on Friday at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

The charge officially came into force in May last year and supersedes a previous law which made it illegal to publish the manual but not possess one.

O'Neill, who was also jailed for engaging in sexual activity with a child and possessing indecent images, is officially the first to be successfully prosecuted for the offence as a result of a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) investigation.

Police became aware of concerns about O'Neill meeting with an under age girl in March 2016. It was revealed he had been engaging in sexual activity with a teenage girl.

Officers also searched O'Neill's address and found indecent images of children on a device as well as a "paedophile manual". He was arrested and charged.

Detective Chief Inspector John Harris said: "The full extent of O'Neill's offences came to light through our dedicated Sunrise Team who work with partner agencies to investigate and combat child sexual exploitation in Rochdale.

"This conviction is a big step forward for GMP, as well as victims, as it recognises just how serious it is to have one of these manuals. Even if someone has not necessarily committed a sexual offence, this act allows us to intervene early and arrest someone before they potentially harm a child.

"Anyone who owns a guide on how to groom or abuse children is clearly a risk to our community and this is demonstrated in O'Neill's case by the further offences he committed."

The Sunrise Team works on the front line in Rochdale helping young people at risk in the community. Specially-trained staff and officers help children to break free of exploitative relationships and ensure offenders are brought to justice.

If you or somebody you know is in immediate danger or needs urgent help ring 999. Anybody concerned about a child can also visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk for advice and information.