A 27-year-old man from Scotland who “showed no remorse” for his actions has been jailed after admitting grooming and sexually abusing and raping a 12-year-old boy from Warrington.
Daniel Sneddon, of Galston Road, Kilmarnock, appeared at Chester Crown Court today, Monday, October 9, where he was sentenced to 13 years and six months and a further four years on licence.
The court heard how the 27-year-old had groomed the boy over a two-year period. The abuse began in the Spring of 2021 when the victim was just 10-years-old and ended in February 2023.
Sneddon would bribe the victim, offering to buy him things, in order to sexually abuse and rape him. His activities were uncovered after the victim’s mother discovered a number of concerning text messages sent to the victim by Sneddon. She alerted Cheshire Constabulary who arrested Sneddon on Monday 6 March.
During questioning, Sneddon vehemently denied all the offences put to him and he was released on conditional bail. However, following an in-depth investigation, detectives uncovered video evidence of the abuse stored on Sneddon’s phone.
He was rearrested on Thursday 18 May and subsequently charged with engaging in sexual activity with a child, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, four counts of rape of a child under 13, two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13, and possession of indecent photographs of a child.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Neil Mooney, of Warrington CID, said: “This has been a complex and lengthy investigation which ultimately uncovered Sneddon’s despicable behaviour.
“It was apparent throughout the investigation that Sneddon is a sexual predator who preyed on a vulnerable young boy and had no regard for the effects his actions would have on the victim or his family.
“When interviewed, Sneddon showed no remorse and failed to account for his actions. Those actions were premeditated and devious.
“It is clear from reviewing the evidence in the case that Sneddon knew what he was doing was wrong, and that he went to great lengths to conceal his behaviour.
“I am pleased that this case has been brought to a swift conclusion for the sake of the victim and his family and I hope that Sneddon uses this time in prison to reflect on the devastating effects his actions have had.
“I would like to thank the victim for showing such bravery throughout this investigation, and his family for the support they have provided, both to their son and the investigation throughout.
“I hope this case and the sentence that Sneddon has received encourages other victims of sexual offences to come forward and report them to us. We treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated, with the wishes and needs of the victim as our main priority.”
For advice on identifying signs of sexual exploitation visit Child Sexual Exploitation & How to Keep Your Child Safe | NSPCC.
To report a sexual offence call Cheshire Constabulary on 101. Information can also be given online at https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
