A PAEDOPHILE who repeatedly travelled from England to have sex with a child in Forth Valley has been jailed.

Matthew Kelsey, 32, had friended the 14-year-old girl online last year, and lied about his age by claiming he was 19.

He actively groomed her, which resulted in him travelling from Hull to Cowie in Stirlingshire on several occasions for arranged meetings during which he engaged in sexual activity with her.

At Falkirk Sheriff Court on Tuesday, September 29, solicitor Ken Dalling said Kelsey “had difficulty making friends his own age”.

Sheriff Chris Shead imprisoned Kelsey for two years, with an 18-month extension period where he will be on licence upon his release.

He was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register.

Speaking following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Craig Faulds from Forth Valley Public Protection Unit said: “The horrific crimes which Kelsey committed on this young and vulnerable girl will live with her forever.

“I would like to commend her courage and composure throughout this investigation which has resulted in a dangerous individual being apprehended.

“Officers from Police Scotland worked tirelessly alongside colleagues from Humberside Police to identify and bring Kelsey to justice and I would like to praise their efforts which have resulted in him pleading guilty and avoiding the need for the victim to give evidence at court.

“Matthew Kelsey is a danger to young people and we welcome the sentence and his placement on the Sex Offenders Register means that he will be the subject of monitoring and supervision in efforts to restrict his ability to harm anyone else.

“Police Scotland is committed to the protection of children and to bringing all perpetrators of sexual abuse to justice regardless of the geographical boundaries of offenders.

“We'd urge anyone who wishes to report any child protection concerns or sexual crime to contact us on 101 so we can conduct a thorough investigation.”

Victims of sexual offences can access information and support by visiting tinyurl.com/ybn4sb6d.