Salford Facebook Rapist Jailed

2 July 2012, 17:13 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Salford teenager, who sexually assaulted three young girls after meeting them on Facebook, has been jailed.

19 year old Elliot McDermott, of Odessa Avenue in Salford, admitted two counts of rape, three sexual assaults and three counts of grooming. 

He’s been locked up for a total of six years in a young offenders’ institution. 

He has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely. 

His first victim was just 12 years old when he befriended her through Facebook. After sharing several messages over the internet they exchanged mobile numbers and he arranged to meet her at a house in Salford. 

In August last year, McDermott went to the victim's house and raped the young girl. 

He then arranged to meet the victim a second time, after asking her to return headphones he had left at her house. 

They met at a subway near to her home before going to a field where he raped and sexually assaulted the girl. 

Later that month, he engaged in sexual activity with a 14 year old girl in a park in Swinton after contacting and befriending her through Facebook. He provided her with alcohol and engaged in sexual activity with her whilst she was intoxicated. 

In October he engaged in sexual activity with his third victim, a 13 year old girl he again met through Facebook, befriending her and arranging to meet her in a park in Irlams O'Height where he engaged in sexual activity with her. 

Detective Constable Nicola Wood, of the Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “Without exaggeration, McDermott is every parent’s worst nightmare. 

“He trawled the internet and befriended young, vulnerable girls that he went on to rape or sexually assault. 

“Some thought he cared about them but all were too young to consent to any sexual activity. A fact he knew full well but chose to ignore for his own sexual gratification. 

“This has had a significant impact on all victims and their families and I hope they are reassured that he is now behind bars where he can no longer pose a threat. 

“GMP will always investigate offences where young, vulnerable people are targeted and exploited compassionately and thoroughly. Victims will be dealt with by specially trained officers who can offer support and reassurance throughout the criminal justice process and beyond. 

“If you or anyone you know has been a victim of an offence like this, or indeed any crime, please call us. 

“I would also urge parents to be mindful of who their loved ones are interacting with over the internet and to ensure their children are fully aware of the dangers and potential consequences of befriending strangers.”