'Predator' jailed for sexually abusing girl aged 4

Jordan Blenkinship was jailed for six years

A paedophile who began sexually abusing a girl when she was four years old has been jailed.

Jordan Blenkinship, 32, from Blackpool, was convicted of 10 historical child sex offences against his victim that occurred over a two-year period more than a decade ago.

Det Con Callum Shackleton, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) described him as "the worst type of predator".

Blenkinship, who denied the offences, was jailed at Manchester Crown Court Minshull Street for six years.

Blenkinship, of Livingstone Road, was also handed a lifetime sexual harm prevention order with strict restrictions.

He was arrested in 2010 after a disclosure from someone who knew the victim but he denied the offences when interviewed by detectives, GMP said.

However, almost a decade later the victim came forward and supported a police investigation to uncover Blenkinship's offences, the force added.

GMP said she wanted to empower others who had gone through a similar experience and provide a message to other young people that it was never too late to come forward and get justice for abuse suffered in the past.

Blenkinship was arrested in 2019 and denied the offences again but because of the evidence against him, officers were able to secure 10 separate charges for sexual offences against the girl, GMP said.

'Unwavering strength'

Det Con Callum Shackleton said after sentencing: "Blenkinship has absolutely no remorse for the physical and mental trauma he has subjected the victim to.

"He is the worst kind of predator, and he is now behind bars and will no longer pose as a threat to children."

He added: "His arrest and subsequent conviction is only the start of the healing process for the victim of his despicable crimes who I hope with the right support will be able to move forwards with her life.

"She is a survivor and has showed unwavering strength to come forward and work closely with us on this case."