A paedophile has been jailed after pleading guilty to four child sex offences.

Callum Townsend has been sentenced to three years and one month in jail after using his business’ online recruitment advert to sexually communicate with two teenage boys in Oldham.

Townsend’s offending began in October 2018 when he advertised on social media that he was opening a small business in Oldham town centre.

In the process of recruiting, he spoke separately to two 15-year-old boys online in which he gradually became more intrusive, even asking one of them to show him a picture of their underwear.

The 29-year-old later requested the same of the second victim, before apologising the next day and saying he was drunk before asking for a picture of his genitals.

Police were notified of Townsend’s sexual interactions and arrested him at his home address at the time in Oldham.

Detectives seized his mobile phone and later charged him with two counts of sexual communication with a child and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Townsend plead guilty to all four offences and will remain on the sexual offenders register for life, with a sexual harm prevention order imposed.

The victims have continued to receive support from specialist officers and partner agencies throughout.

Detective Constable Martin Wildman has said: "Callum Townsend was a pernicious predator who manipulated these two boys’ desperate for some Saturday work by enticing them in to believe they had a chance of getting a job.

“The victims were left to feel embarrassed by their conversations with Townsend – to the point where it took weeks before bravely telling family members – when it is Townsend himself who should feel utterly ashamed of his actions, and I hope he is able to accept this during his time behind bars.”

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

Help and support is also available for anyone who may need it

Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, 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 on 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.

Read more from the Oldham Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news