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Doncaster man jailed for four years for child sex offences

child sex offences

Doncaster man jailed for four years for child sex offences

A 35-year-old Doncaster sex offender received a four-year jail sentence on Friday 19 November for child sex offences.

Following an investigation by South Yorkshire Police (SYP) and the South Wales Regional Organised Crime Unit, Mark Harrigan from Doncaster pleaded guilty to his crimes at Sheffield Crown Court.

He admitted to child sex offences, including inciting a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity with him as well as attempting to engage in sexual activity with a child watching.

Harrigan believed he was talking to a 12-year-old girl on the internet and performed sexual acts in front of them, but he was actually talking to a police officer and was later arrested.

Police Constable Kevin Sibley from the Sheffield Reactive CID team, told SYP: ‘This was a particularly sinister case and the strong sentence reflects the severity of his offending.”

“This was a successful operation between South Yorkshire Police and the South Wales Organised Crime Unit that ensured Harrigan was brought to justice.

“It also shows the lengths of depravity that he would go to.”

However, some members of the public have revealed their concerns over the sentence for the sex offender which they deem to be far too short.

They fear he will be released in no time and resume committing child sex offences.

Detective Constable Russell Jones, from the South Wales Regional Organised Crime Unit, added: “This forms part of our continued priority to protect children from sexual exploitation from those who seek to do them harm.

“Law enforcement operates across the internet, and we will relentlessly seek to bring to justice individuals who use the web to facilitate the abuse of children.

“If anyone has been a victim of child sexual abuse, I would urge you to report it to your local police force via 101.

“We will always follow up allegations of abuse, no matter when they occurred.

“Victims can talk in confidence to experienced investigators and we can also help them get access to a range of other support services.

“If you have concerns about your use of the internet or inappropriate thoughts or behaviour about children, or if you are worried about how someone you know behaves around children or are worried about their use of the internet, then the Lucy Faithfull Foundation provide a free, anonymous and confidential Stop It Now! helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and information.”

(Photo: South Yorkshire Police)

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Lauren joined the Gi Media team in August 2021.