A PREDATORY offender who would target schoolgirls on buses by passing them his phone number has been jailed for sexual offences.

Adetunji Akona-Dosunmo, 35, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, May 9 after committing sex offences in Merseyside.

In April last year following a long investigation by Merseyside Police, detectives charged Akona-Dosunmo with a number of crimes which took place in Merseyside and Manchester during February and March last year.

'Passing phone number'

Detectives say that while travelling on buses he would "pass his phone number to underage girls to engage in sexual activity".

On Monday, February 6, he pleaded guilty to four counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that was already in place, two counts of sexual communication with a child, and an attempt to arrange/facilitate a child sex offence.

Detective Constable Rachael Barcas, who headed the investigation, said: “We welcome this sentence given to Akona-Dosunmo as he is now behind bars and can no longer cause harm to children with his predatory offending.

“Akona-Dosunmo committed a number of offences in Merseyside and Manchester where he would travel on a bus and attempt to engage with schoolgirls wearing a school uniform by handing them notes with his telephone number and asking them to call him.

Child was aged 11

“In one instance the victim he targeted in Crosby was aged just 11, proving that he is a serious risk to children.

"Upon sentencing the judge stated that he poses significant risk of committing further offences as he has strong sexual urges or desires resulting in him planning ways to bring about contact with underage girls with the express aim of having sexual activity with them.”

Merseyside Police is committed to protecting victims of sexual offences, and anyone who reports an incident to us will be safeguarded and supported throughout the investigation by Specially Trained Officers and Sexual Violence Advocates who will provide all the relevant support.

Praise for young victims

Detective Inspector Alan Nuttall added: “This investigation was complex in nature, requiring collaboration with colleagues in Greater Manchester Police.

"Detective Constable Barcas has worked tirelessly to ensure that justice has been served and I wish to take this opportunity to thank the young victims in the case for coming forward and providing the evidence required to ensure that this individual is appropriately punished.

“We have specialist officers who are dedicated to investigating these crimes, bringing those responsible before the courts and ultimately protecting young people from unimaginable suffering.

“I would like to take this opportunity to stress that if you have experienced any form of sexual abuse, or know of a child being abused, please come forward and report this to police.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us we have specially trained officers who will treat you with sensitivity and compassion.”

Akona-Dosunmo, of no fixed address but formerly from Salford, was also issued an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

How to get support

If you are a child or young person suffering sexual or physical abuse, the following organisations can also provide help and support: NSPCC – call 0808 800 5000 or e-mail help@nspcc.org.uk.

Childline – call 0800 1111 If you’ve been affected by sexual violence of any kind don’t be afraid to tell someone, find the courage to come forward and get the help you deserve.

In Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral, support is provided by Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (RASA) Merseyside who are available on 0151 558 1801 and, in St Helens and Knowsley, by the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) Cheshire and Merseyside who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063.