A Lewisham man has been sentenced for multiple sexual offences committed against a 13-year-old he met at a youth club.

Joshua Dee, 21, engaged in a sexual relationship with his victim in September 2016, despite knowing her to be underage.

During this time, he would plead with the victim to engage in sexual acts on several occasions.

The victim said she felt pressured to engage with sexual activity with him as he would make her feel guilty for not doing so.

Dee’s electronic devices were examined by specialist officers and they revealed evidence of sexual communication with the victim.

He was found guilty of sexual activity with a child, sexual touching of a child, and sexual communication with a child.

Dee was sentenced to a 24-month community order, a rehabilitation order of 30 days, 100 hours unpaid work and £250 compensation to the victim yesterday at Woolwich Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Laura Hiller, from the North East Borough Command Unit, said, “The victim in this case has shown strength of character beyond her age and, supported by my team on the Central Specialist Command Modern Slavery and Child Exploitation Team, ensured that Dee was held accountable for his crimes.

“I hope that this sentence brings her and her family a measure of comfort and closure to move on.

“We cannot be certain that there are not more young girls who Dee has targeted, and who have not yet told someone.

"If you know of any further offences committed by Dee, or if you have been a victim of any sexual offence and not yet spoken to police, come forward and call 101.

"If you want to talk to someone in confidence, please call ChildLine on 0800 1111.”