Tameside man sentenced to 10 years for grooming and sexual assault of teenage girls

A Tameside man has been sentenced to a decade behind bars for grooming and sexually assaulting teenage girls through the use of fake online profiles.

Scott Kirkham, 21, of Hope Street, Audenshaw, was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court after pleading guilty to 30 separate offences related to his manipulative and predatory behaviour.

Kirkham’s offending came to light following investigations by the Tameside Complex Safeguarding Team, in collaboration with several police forces across the UK. His crimes involved creating numerous social media accounts under the alias ‘Jake Richardson,’ claiming to be a teenage boy aged between 14 and 16. Using a fake photograph, Kirkham befriended and groomed nine vulnerable victims aged 13 to 17 between March 2020 and April 2021.

The investigation revealed that Kirkham met three of his victims in person, sometimes with their parents present, in locations including Cumbria and Blackpool. Additionally, he sexually assaulted one girl at his address in Tameside. His offending included sending explicit images, engaging in sexual communication, and causing or inciting children to engage in sexual activities.

Kirkham’s electronic devices were seized during his arrest in April 2021 and subjected to forensic analysis. Authorities uncovered multiple email and social media accounts, including archived WhatsApp chats containing explicit content and communications with teenage girls. He was initially charged with 41 offences and later pleaded guilty to 30 counts, which included sexual communication, causing or inciting sexual activity, sexual assault, malicious communication, and engaging in sexual activity with a child.

He has been remanded in custody since December 2021 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with an additional three years on license. As part of his sentence, he will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Angela Pavitt from the Tameside Complex Safeguarding Team emphasized the significance of the case: “Kirkham targeted vulnerable girls, some of whom were self-harming or in care, pretending to be ‘Jake Richardson.’ The victims turned to him for help and support, but he exploited their trust for his own malicious purposes."

She also highlighted the bravery of the victims and their families, whose courage during the investigation and trial helped secure justice. “Thanks to their resilience and the tireless efforts of our team, Kirkham has been removed from our community,” she added.

Greater Manchester Police remain committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals. Detective Chief Inspector Anna Barker, GMP’s Vulnerability Lead in Tameside, stated: “Our team’s goal is prevention, education, and enforcement. We work closely with children, families, and partner agencies to identify and disrupt offenders, ensuring our communities are protected.”

The police urge anyone who has concerns or information about exploitation to come forward. Reports can be made via 101, through the GMP website’s Live Chat, or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. In emergencies, contact 999.

The police also encourage victims of abuse or exploitation to seek help. Several charities and support services are available, including the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Parents Protect, and Stop It Now, which provide confidential helplines, online resources, and advice to protect children from harm.

Kirkham’s conviction highlights the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in protecting vulnerable young people from online predators. Authorities reaffirm their dedication to safeguarding and will continue to pursue those who seek to exploit children, ensuring justice is served and victims are supported.

For more information or to report concerns, visit https://www.gmp.police.uk or contact your local police station.