A "predatory" man who groomed a 14-year-old schoolgirl so he could sexually abuse her has been jailed.

Richard Slater, 46, of Unwin Road, Isleworth, targeted his victim and bought the underage girl gifts and drugs.

Slater was aware of the girl's age and convinced the "impressionable" girl he was in love her.

In September 2016 their relationship became sexual and on September 29 the girl was reported missing - she was found some time later by officers in Slater's bedroom, Metropolitan Police said.

He was arrested but granted police bail and told not to contact the victim, however on October 23 she was reported missing again and found by officers outside Slater's house.

On November 10 the victim was found hiding in an alleyway behind Slater's house.

Detectives were determined to prevent Slater from meeting the girl again and obtained an Interim Sexual Risk Order against Slater on November 24.

However in January 2017 he was caught meeting up with the victim on Hounslow Heath and Slater was arrested and charged with child abduction, breach of a sexual risk order and possession of cannabis.

Slater was further charged on June 28 with engaging in sexual activity with a child, grooming and a further count of breaching a sexual risk order.

He pleaded guilty to all six offences and was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Friday (September 15) to seven years and eight months in jail.

He will be placed on the Sex Offenders' Register indefinitely and has a sexual harm prevention order against him.

Detective Constable Thomas Ward of the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command said Slater developed a relationship with an impressionable, vulnerable child and pursued her with the intent of a predatory sex offender.

"It was only at court that Slater finally accepted responsibility for his actions, having strongly denied the facts from the point of his arrest," he said.

"I would like to praise the strength of the family who have supported this investigation throughout.

" I can only hope they can now move forward as a result of Slater's conviction.

"Slater is a serious risk to young females and it cannot be discounted that he may have abused other young girls.

"Anyone who believes they have been a victim of Slater's is urged to contact police via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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