A PAEDOPHILE from Audenshaw who used fake online profiles to groom and sexually assault teenage girls has been jailed for 10 years.
Scott Kirkham created numerous social media accounts, pretending to be teenager ‘Jake Richardson’ aged 14-16 and using a fake photo to befriend and groom nine vulnerable teenagers between March 2020 and April 2021.
He met three of his victims – sometimes with their parents present – in Cumbria and Blackpool and also sexually assaulted one girl at his address on Hope Street.
An investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s Complex Safeguarding Team in Tameside, in conjunction with several police forces, eventually caught the 23-year-old.
His offending first came to light after reports from Oxfordshire and south Wales tracked his IP address to Tameside.
And after pleading guilty to a total of 30 offences – six of sexual communication, 10 of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, six of causing a child to watch a sexual act, five of engaging in sexual activity with a child, two of malicious communication and sexual assault on a female over 16 – he was sentenced at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court to 10 years in prison.
Kirkham will spend another three years on license, have an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and remain on the sex offenders’ register.
Detective Constable Angela Pavitt, from GMP’s Tameside Complex Safeguarding Team, said: “Kirkham targeted vulnerable girls, some who were self-harming or in care, pretending to be ‘Jake Richardson.’
“The victims turned to him for help and support – often he would mock them and encourage them to self-harm.
“He met his victims on five occasions, in Manchester, Blackpool, Cumbria and Tameside, and carried out his vile abuse.”
Kirkham was arrested in April 2021 and charged with 41 offences, eventually pleading guilty to 30, and had been on remand since December 2024.
During the investigation, his electronic devices were seized and forensically examined – they included multiple email and social media accounts, and archived WhatsApp chats with teenage girls.
Some of the messages Kirkham sent contained explicit images of his body parts.
DC Pavitt added: “We welcome the conviction and sentence of Kirkham, who is a manipulative and dangerous individual who posed a significant threat to vulnerable children in our community.
“Kirkham engaged in a sustained campaign of deceit, coercion, and abuse, using fake online identities to groom and exploit young victims.
“Thanks to the bravery and resilience of the victims, and the tireless work of the Tameside Complex Safeguarding Team, under Operation Casement, we have successfully removed a high-risk sexual predator from our streets.
“Kirkham’s actions were calculated and predatory, and his conviction reflects the seriousness of the offences committed.
“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the victims and their families for their courage throughout the investigation and trial – their strength has been instrumental in securing justice and protecting others from further harm.
“Greater Manchester Police remains committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals. We urge anyone with concerns or information about exploitation to come forward. Together, we can continue to protect our communities and hold offenders accountable.
“You will be believed and listened to, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.”
Kirkham’s actions have had a significant and detrimental effect on his victims.”
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Barker, GMP’s Vulnerability Lead in Tameside, said: “At the heart of the team’s mission is a commitment to safeguarding through prevention, education, and enforcement.
“Police officers embedded within the team attend daily multi-agency meetings to support with decision making, engage directly with children and families, and lead investigations into exploitation offences.
“This integrated model ensures that children receive holistic support while perpetrators are identified, disrupted, and prosecuted.”
Report and support
Greater Manchester Police encourage you not to suffer in silence and report what has happened to you to them, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
The force can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk.
Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Also call 999 in an emergency.
Lucy Faithfull Foundation
A UK-wide charity set up to tackle child sexual abuse.
Parents Protect
A website from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation that helps parents and carers protect children from sexual abuse.
Stop it now
A confidential hotline, live chat and secure messaging service, run by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
For anyone who is worried about child abuse, including people worried about their own thoughts and behaviour towards children.
Helpline 0808 1000 900