Barnstaple man jailed for child sex offences

A Barnstaple man has been jailed for 32 months for sexual offences against a child after changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial.

Daniel Mansford, 26, of Rumsam Gardens, changed his plea on trial day at Exeter Crown Court on Monday, June 29. He admitted to five offences of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged under 16.

The offences took place during a period of six months when the victim was 14 years old.

He was sentenced yesterday (Thursday, September 3) at Exeter Crown Court, to 32 months imprisonment and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order.

The court heard Mansford had been aware of the girl’s age from the outset but continued to groom her, including on social media.

The offences came to light when the victim confided in a teacher.

Mansford was arrested and provided no comment during the interview.

Police obtained screenshots of messages from the victim’s phone which showed the sexualised content Mansford had sent her.

Devon and Cornwall Police investigator Neil Young, of North Devon CID, said: “The defendant knew that the victim was a child. As soon as Mansford became aware of the victim's age, he should have immediately ended all contact.

“Instead, he made a conscious decision to continue his pursuit, exploit the vulnerabilities of that young person and engage in sexual activity.

“This conviction demonstrates Devon & Cornwall Police’s commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable for their actions.”