Investigators have welcomed the jailing of a head chef for sexual offences against young girls, saying his behaviour could have escalated if it hadn't been for the courage of his victims' in coming forward.

Rajon Ahmed, 40, from St Ives was jailed for sexual offences involving two teenage girls. One of the victims in the case was aged 13 at the time.

He was sentenced at Exeter Crown Court last week after previously being convicted at Truro Crown Court.

The sentencing was heard in Exeter as that is where trial judge, Judge David Evans, regularly sits.

Ahmed was convicted by a jury of sexual assault, sexual communication with a child, and two counts of sexual activity with a child.

He was found not guilty of a second sexual assault charge. Ahmed was sentenced to 16 months in prison.

He will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 7 years and be on the Sex Offenders Register for 10 years.

During the trial it was heard how Ahmed was well aware the victims in the case were aged 13 and 16 respectively.

Despite this he followed the first, younger victim on social media and offered her cigarettes and cannabis. He then sent the victim explicit images of himself. Ahmed and the victim met twice and on the second occasion he kissed her and touched her inappropriately.

The second, older victim, was also communicated with on social media by Ahmed and offered cigarettes. On one occasion he hugged her and touched her inappropriately as she moved away.

Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Andrew Shorten said: “I welcome today’s result and I am grateful to the victims in this case for supporting this investigation over a protracted period of time.

"I would also like to thank West Cornwall Public Protection Unit for the comprehensive investigation which has brought this offender to justice and prevented further harm.

"I hope this case reassures the community how seriously the police take reports of Child Sexual Offences and gives people the courage to come forward in future.”

Police Staff Investigator Steve Panter added: “There is a real fear that the pattern of his offending would have escalated had it not been for the courage of the victims and witnesses to come forward and challenge his behaviour when they did.

"I would like to thank the victims who should be commended for their courage and resilience during the investigation and the court process.”

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If you’ve been affected by anything in this news article, support is available. Please contact the police by via our website here or by calling 101.

Alternatively, advice and support is also offered by our partner agencies: National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999 Victim Care Unit (Devon and Cornwall) 01392 475900 Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 0300 3034626

More: www.dc.police.uk/Rape-SexualAssault The freephone NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 is available for anyone to report or seek advice about non-recent abuse. Calls can be made anonymously.