A paedophile who travelled on buses targeting schoolgirls in their uniforms has been jailed.
Adetunji Akona-Dosunmo, 35, formerly from Salford, travelled by bus between Merseyside and Manchester, where he tried to lure young girls into sexual activity by handing out notes with his telephone number and asking them to call him. One girl, targeted in Crosby, was just 11 years old.
He was arrested in April last year following a long investigation by Merseyside Police, and was charged with a number of offences which took place in February and March 2022.
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He appeared at Manchester Crown Court yesterday, May 9, after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual communication with a child, attempting to arrange a child sex offence, and four counts of breaching an existing Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He was sentenced to two years and four months in prison, and was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The officer in charge of the investigation, detective constable Rachael Barcas, said: “We welcome this sentence given to Akona-Dosunmo as he is now behind bars and can no longer cause harm to children with his predatory offending.
“Akona-Dosunmo committed a number of offences in Merseyside and Manchester where he would travel on a bus and attempt to engage with schoolgirls wearing a school uniform by handing them notes with his telephone number and asking them to call him.
“In one instance the victim he targeted in Crosby was aged just 11, proving that he is a serious risk to children. Upon sentencing the judge stated that he poses significant risk of committing further offences as he has strong sexual urges or desires resulting in him planning ways to bring about contact with underage girls with the express aim of having sexual activity with them.”
Detective Inspector Alan Nuttall said: “This investigation was complex in nature, requiring collaboration with colleagues in Greater Manchester Police. Detective constable Barcas has worked tirelessly to ensure that justice has been served and I wish to take this opportunity to thank the young victims in the case for coming forward and providing the evidence required to ensure that this individual is appropriately punished
“We have specialist officers who are dedicated to investigating these crimes, bringing those responsible before the courts and ultimately protecting young people from unimaginable suffering.
“I would like to take this opportunity to stress that if you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.
“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”
People can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences anonymously on the Merseyside Police website.
The following organisations can also provide support to Ichildren suffering sexual or physical abuse:
NSPCC – 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.
Childline – 0800 1111
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