Salford paedophile jailed for 10 and a half years after online abuse

He abused two victims who were under the age of 16

33 year old Benjamin Lancaster
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 3rd Aug 2023

A Salford man has been jailed for over 10 years for his role in the sexual exploitation of children he targeted over the internet.

33 year old Benjamin Lancaster, of Charles Street, was sentenced for rape, possession of indecent images and arranging or facilitating travel for sexual purposes.

The charges were in relation to two victims who were both under the age of 16 at the time.

The court heard that Lancaster would 'scour' the internet for potential victims - before tricking them into starting a relationship.

He would give his victims a list of rules that they would need to abide by, including times to go to bed, what they could wear and who they could go out with.

He was arrested October 2021 after one of his victims' carers raised concerns, with police uncovering indecent images and videos.

He was found to be sending inappropriate messages to children across the world.

DC Emma Puckering of the Salford Connect Team said: "We are pleased with yesterday's result. Lancaster is going to be behind bars, and away from children, for many years to come.

"We would like to commend the strength and bravery of the victims and their support systems, who have supported the prosecution to conclusion.

"We know that the sentencing will never erase what they experienced at the hands of Lancaster, but we hope that it signifies the beginning of the rest of their lives, allowing them to start to heal and come to terms with what's happened.

"Lancaster's network was comprehensive and as such, we are asking for anyone who may have been exploited by him to come forwards and speak to us on 0161 856 5424."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.