Doncaster man jailed for 14 years for arranging to meet child for sex

A Doncaster man who used the internet and social media sites to arrange to meet a child for sex has been jailed for 14 years.
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Dale Ruff pleaded guilty to nine offences which took place between 8 August and 5 October this year.

Appearing before Leeds Crown Court to be sentenced yesterday (7/12), Ruff, aged 36, from Grove Place, Balby Bridge, was jailed for 14 years.

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He was also given and indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Jailed: Dale RuffJailed: Dale Ruff
Jailed: Dale Ruff

The offences charged included attempting to communicate sexually with a child, attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming, attempting to incite a child into sexual activity by urging them to send images, and attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence.

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The court heard how Ruff used the internet to engage with the child on social media sites before arranging to meet them in order to commit sexual offences.

However, Ruff hadn’t realised that he was engaging with officers from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU).

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Speaking after the sentencing, Det Chief Inspector Andrew Howard of the YHROCU said: “Ruff is a sexual predator with a clear sexual interest in children. People like him make the internet a dangerous place for children.

“He will now spend time in prison for the offences he has committed and we will continue to work hard to make the internet a safer place for the people of Yorkshire and the Humber.”

If you know of anyone committing a crime please contact 101 or 999 in an emergency.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Dominic Brown, editor.