A man from Devon who attempted to target young girls online to sexually abuse has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following an investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

Daniel Keenor, 47, formerly of Rosemary Gardens in Paignton and a registered sex offender, had attempted to share extreme content with young girls and incite them to watch and perform sex acts. In conversations on various social networking sites he suggested meeting up with young girls to rape them and talked about giving them drugs and alcohol. He also sent indecent videos and images.

Keenor had unknowingly been communicating with specially trained officers from the SWROCU whose evidence led him to plead guilty and his seven-year three-month sentence to be extended to a full ten years.

He was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Inspector David Wells from the Online Investigations Team at SWROCU said: “Keenor is a very dangerous man who poses a high risk to children – we are glad to see the sentence reflects that.

“This is challenging but vital work. Law enforcement agencies are across the internet determined to ensure offenders like him don’t succeed in abusing and exploiting children.  It is crucial parents and children themselves take steps to protect against the threat.”

Detective Constable Rebecca Lockley from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Our joint working with SWROCU has resulted in Keenor – a prolific offender who poses a significant risk of offending again – being handed a substantial sentence.

“It is our priority to protect and keep children safe in our communities and I would encourage anyone worried about something that has happened to a child online to report it to CEOP.”

The NSPCC website also has clear and extensive advice for parents and carers, children and young people, and professionals.

If you have concerns about your own use of the internet or inappropriate thoughts or behaviour about children, or you are worried about how someone you know behaves, then contact the Lucy Faithfull Foundation