A "MANIPULATIVE" man who preyed on an underage girl and incited her to send him indecent images of herself has avoided being sent to prison.

Nicholas Daniels, 30, of Blenheim close, Barry received a suspended sentence at Liverpool Crown Court after pleading guilty to inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Police explained how, last November, the mother of a 14-year-old girl from St Helens, Merseyside became concerned after noting a change in her daughter's mood and her performance at school.

When she looked at the teenager's phone she found a number of indecent images and handed it to Merseyside Police.

Police discovered that Barry man Daniels had contacted the girl between October 17 and October 31 via mobile phone message service What'sApp and incited her to take and send indecent images of herself.

He was arrested in January and admitted asking for the images of the girl, knowing she was just 14.

Daniels was sentenced to 14 months in prison - suspended for two years –-and given a 10 year Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Unsworth said: “Nicholas Daniels is a manipulative man who preyed on a teenage girl while she was at a vulnerable stage in her life.

“The bravery of this victim has been outstanding and her evidence was absolutely crucial to the case. She found the courage to report what happened.

“I hope this case sends out a strong message to victims of sexual abuse, whether it is recent or historic, that if you can find the courage to come forward the authorities will be there for you.

“I would also warn sexual predators who think they can get away with it; they won’t.”