Man jailed after grooming and sexually assaulting child

A man who groomed and sexually assaulted a child in North Staffordshire has been jailed.  

Callum Dobing, 26, from Stone, groomed the victim through social media and arranged to meet with her in April this year.

He then sexually assaulted the victim, who later reported the incident to us.

Dobing was arrested shortly after and questioned in custody. He went on to admit the offences in court and was given a ten-year extended sentence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Wednesday 23 August.

As part of his sentencing, Dobing was handed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. He pleaded guilty to failing to comply with sex offender notification requirements, meeting a girl under 16 following grooming and three counts of sexual activity with a child.

Detective Sergeant Josie Shearman, who dealt with the case, said: “I’d like to commend the victim for her immense bravery in coming forward and reporting the incident to us.

“I’m happy that we’ve been able to secure justice for her and I hope this serves as an example to anyone who may be a victim of grooming or sexual assault that we will take action and pursue offenders as robustly as possible.

“No matter how recent the offences may be, victims can be assured that we are committed to delivering justice and we are here to support as much as we possibly can.”

If you are a victim of grooming or sexual assault, we have a team of specially-trained officers who you can speak to in confidence.

Call us on 101 or message us using Live Chat on our website.

If you prefer to report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.