Bedford man jailed for six years for grooming a girl
Robert Brookes gave the victim cocaine and cannabis on a regular basis before offering to pay her cash
A Bedford man has been jailed for grooming a girl into sexual activity in exchange for money and drugs.
Robert Brookes, 37, also befriended a friend of the victim over social media and attempted to groom her in the same way.
After a lengthy investigation, Brookes was found guilty of two counts of causing/inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, two counts of supplying a Class A drug and two counts of offering to supply cocaine.
He was sentenced on Wednesday (3 September) at Luton Crown Court to six years and three months.
Detective Constable David Widdicombe from Bedfordshire Police's Protecting Vulnerable People team said: “Brookes is a vile individual who took advantage of a young girl in the worst possible way, so I am pleased he has received a custodial sentence.
“The victim was very brave telling us what happened, and I hope she is now able to move on from this chapter in her life."