A paedophile from Oldham who repeatedly exploited a young girl whilst living at a friend's home in Ashton has been jailed.  

Keiron Degnan appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday (18 February), where he was jailed for a total of 10 years. 

The 35-year-old, of Cowie Street in Shaw, pleaded not guilty to eight counts of sexual activity with a female under 16 and one count of breaching his sex offender registration requirements. He was found guilty of all counts at trial.

Degnan had previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual activity with a female under 16, with all counts relating to the same victim.

The court heard how in June 2019, Degnan had been living as a lodger at a friend's home in Ashton where the offences took place.

One evening when the girl was watching television in the living room of the house, Degnan proceeded to engage her in conversation before then performing a sexual act on her. He then went on to have full intercourse with the girl on numerous occasions over a period of at least 16 months.

In May 2021, the girl confided to her parents what had been happening and Degnan was reported to the police.

Degnan had, at the time, been under the terms of a sex offenders notification, which was handed to him in 2006 following a conviction for previous child sex offences.

Detective Constable Natalie Fairhurst, of GMP's Tameside District, said: "Degnan repeatedly exploited this young girl with his despicable actions which he committed with the sole purpose of satisfying his sexual desires without any thought or care at all for how this would affect the victims life.

"I would like to thank the victim for her courage in reporting this to the police and helping us to make sure that Degnan faced justice and I hope today's sentence gives the victim and her family some closure."

Anyone affected by this case can contact police online, via www.gmp.police.uk or by calling 101. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, you are encouraged not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency, to get the help and support available.

Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.