'Devious predator' jailed for grooming and sexually abusing boy, 12

Daniel Sneddon has been jailed for 13 and a half years

A man described as a "devious... sexual predator who preyed on a vulnerable young boy" has been jailed.

Daniel Sneddon, 27, groomed his 12-year-old victim from Warrington over two years, Chester Crown Court heard.

Cheshire police were alerted when the boy's mother discovered concerning texts from Sneddon on her son's phone.

Sneddon, of Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire, denied wrongdoing but images of abuse were found on his phone. He was jailed for 13-and-a-half years.

Sneddon, of Galston Road, was convicted of:

• four counts of raping a child aged under 13

• two counts of sexually assaulting a child aged under 13

• possession of indecent photographs of a child

• engaging in sexual activity with a child

• engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child

"It was apparent throughout the investigation that Sneddon is a sexual predator who preyed on a vulnerable young boy and had no regard for the effects his actions would have on the victim or his family," said Detective Constable Neil Warrington.

"Those actions were premeditated and devious. It is clear from reviewing the evidence that Sneddon knew what he was doing was wrong, and that he went to great lengths to conceal his behaviour.

"I would like to thank the victim for showing such bravery throughout this investigation, and his family for the support they have provided."