Internet warning to parents

Parents are urged to check their children's online Internet use following the jailing of a former Market Drayton man

Robert Andrew Jeffrey's attempts to befriend young girls failed after parents became suspicious and reported their concerns to police.

Jeffrey, a 45-year-old registered sex offender, formerly of Smithfield Road, Market Drayton, was sentenced to two years eight months imprisonment at Shrewsbury Crown Court after admitting contacting girls under the age of 18 on the Internet.

He pleaded guilty to six charges relating to failure to comply with a Sexual Offences Prevention Order imposed by a court last September.

Detective Constable Sarah Matthews, the investigating officer, said Jeffrey, went on the run earlier this year while on bail during an investigation into other suspected offences involving children.

His disappearance prompted a nationwide police search and he was eventually traced to the Scottish Highlands and arrested in August.

DC Matthews said the case illustrated yet again that children and parents needed to be extremely careful about contacts with strangers over the Internet.

"His motives were sinister in so far that his sole purpose was to make contact with people who had young daughters so he could engage in dialogue with them."

"Although there was no physical contact, he had started the grooming process and his manner and behaviour raised suspicions."

She praised parents for coming forward, in following their instincts and reporting their concerns.

She said Jeffrey was known to have made contact with five girls aged 15 or 16 who lived with their families in Shropshire.

DC Matthews added: "The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of befriending people on Facebook and similar social networks. Be absolutely sure you know who you are talking to online and avoid exchanges with complete strangers."

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.