Merseyside Police has welcomed the sentencing of Levere David Hinds, 56 years, of Lathom Road, Bootle, who has been jailed for three years, eight months.

Hinds was convicted of blackmail of a 17-year-old girl and the taking and distributing of indecent images of a 17-year-old girl and sending malicious communications.

He appeared at Liverpool Crown Court Monday, 22 May 2017 and was sentenced to two years, eight months for blackmail, eight months for taking/distributing indecent images and four months for sending malicious communications.

The incidents took place between November 2016 and February 2017.

Speaking after the sentencing of Hinds at Liverpool Crown Court, Detective Inspector Susan Ennis from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: "Merseyside Police take sexually exploitation very seriously and have specially trained officers who can offer support for all victims.

"Child Sexual Exploitation ('CSE') is a terrible crime which can affect any family, anywhere. We are, however, determined to play our part in tackling the problem.

"The force is committed to the protection and wider safeguarding issues of young people, and in doing so we will work with partner agencies to investigate and where possible prevent such abuse.

"Every one of us has to play our part in putting a stop to the sexual exploitation of children and we all need to know the signs to look for, including if they are regularly missing school or college , appearing with unexplained gifts and money , mood swings and becoming secretive about their use of social media."

Anyone who would like to report a sexual offence or who has information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.