CAMERON WASSALL FROM STALYBRIDGE JAILED FOR GROOMING AND EXPLOITING TEENAGE GIRL IN TAMESIDE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community of Tameside, Cameron Wassall, aged 21 and a resident of Market Street in Stalybridge, has been sentenced to a year in prison for his involvement in the sexual exploitation of a teenage girl. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of grooming behavior that culminated in a sexual encounter with the young victim, who was only 14 years old at the time.

Wassall’s criminal actions came to light after a series of interactions that began in the summer of 2013. It was reported that he befriended the girl at a local newsagents on Millbrook Road in Stalybridge, where he would frequently purchase cigarettes not only for her but also for her friends. This seemingly innocent gesture was part of his calculated effort to gain her trust. Over time, Wassall and the girl connected through social media, specifically Facebook, where they exchanged contact details, including phone numbers.

As their online communication progressed, Wassall started to send the girl sexually explicit messages, which marked a disturbing escalation in his behavior. The situation reached a critical point when Wassall arranged to meet her after work on August 7, 2013. The girl, accompanied by two friends, went to Wassall’s residence in Millbrook. It was there that he took her into the bathroom and engaged in sexual activity with her, an act that has been described as grooming and exploitation.

During the court hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court, Wassall admitted to charges of sexual activity with a child and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. The court sentenced him to 12 months in prison and ordered him to sign the sex offender’s register for ten years, reflecting the severity of his crimes.

Detective Constable Chris Maddocks from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit commented on the case, emphasizing the community’s safety and the importance of addressing such crimes. He stated, “Wassall groomed these young girls in his local community so he could sexually exploit them. He purchased cigarettes for one of the girls to earn her trust before befriending them. He then became friends with the girl over Facebook who he knew was only 14 years old and swapped phone numbers with her. He then started to send her messages which became sexually explicit.”

Detective Maddocks also highlighted ongoing efforts to prevent similar incidents, noting that police investigations extended to the local off-license where the victim and offender met. As a result, the license is now under review. He added, “Licensees have a duty to prevent crime and disorder and protect children, and they failed to protect children from this child groomer.” The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community responsibility in safeguarding young people from predators like Wassall.