A MAN has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for the sexual abuse and grooming of young girls.

Bradley Gatley pleaded guilty to 25 separate offences relating to the grooming and sexual abuse of underage girls has today been sentenced at Teesside Crown Court.

The 24-year-old, of no fixed address, was given a custodial sentence of 24 years after pleading guilty to offences relating to the abuse of three victims over a three-year period, beginning in 2018.

Detective Inspector Louise Sproson, said: “Today’s sentence recognises the lasting harm Gatley caused his victims. I’d like to praise the victims’ bravery throughout our investigation and during the court process.”

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Claire Brinton of Crown Prosecution Service North East said: “Bradley Gatley behaved in a predatorial manner, grooming young victims with obscene pictures of himself, lurid comments and inappropriate touching, before sexually assaulting them.

“Understandably, Gatley’s victims remain deeply traumatised by his actions, all of which were carried out solely in the selfish pursuit of his own sexual gratification.

“The Crown Prosecution Service has worked closely with Cleveland Police to build a robust case against Bradley Gatley, leaving him little option but to plead guilty to the serious charges against him.

“I sincerely hope that the sentence passed on him today provides some measure of comfort to his victims.”

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