Following a 16-day trial at St Albans Crown Court, an Aylesbury man has been jailed for sexual offences against two Hertfordshire children.

Last Thursday (August 31), Mike Martin was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of nine counts of sexual activity with a child.

The offences related to two vulnerable girls, who were teenagers at the time, living in the Dacorum area.

The first offences took place in 2012, when Martin met the two girls, at 23 years of age.

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The court heard that the two teenagers were groomed by the now 34-year-old man.

Along with the 11-year jail sentence, Martin will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

DC Vicky Draper said: "This was a complex and protracted investigation, with both victims being supported by specialist officers from our HALO team and we commend them for their bravery in agreeing to take part in the investigation.

“Perpetrators like Mike Martin pray on vulnerable girls, befriending them when they need help and support and then abusing the trust they have built up with them, to take advantage of them sexually.

                                                                                 

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“Anyone who has been a victim of child abuse, or thinks a child is being abused, should contact police immediately and a report can be made in confidence.”

Information can also be reported online at www.herts.police.uk/ro/report or by calling the police's non-emergency number 101.

Anonymous information can be given by contacting Crimestopppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Mike Martin was jailed for 11 years.Mike Martin was jailed for 11 years. (Image: Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Additionally, those in Hertfordshire who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence can contact the Herts Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for support.

The centre can provide face-to-face support, sexual health referrals, and provide forensic medical examinations for those who want them.

A 24/7 helpline can also provide advise to those who require it, and a nurse can give support.

The SARC can be contacted by calling 0808 178 4448, emailing Herts.SARC@nhs.net or visiting www.hertssarc.org.