A PAEDOPHILE who groomed a schoolgirl has been jailed after the victim’s friend report her concern.

She told a teacher she thought 38-year-old Matthew Twitchen was lying about his age, which led to his arrest.

Twitchen’s victim, was 14 when he began to groom her online, telling her he was 18.

He convinced her to send intimate photos before meeting her in Gateshead. He took her to a car park and told her he loved her before engaging in sexual activity.

A school friend, who had seen pictures of Twitchen, told a teacher and and the school contacted police and the victim’s mother.

Lincolnshire Police arrested Twitchen at his home address in Boston.

He has been jailed for five years after appearing at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to sexual activity with a child, two cases of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and meeting a child following sexual grooming.

He was also given an Indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order and put on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Detective Constable Ross Atkinson, who was in charge of the case, has praised the victim and her friend.

He said: “The victim’s friend recognised that her friend was being groomed and she showed immense courage by coming forward and disclosing her concerns to a teacher.

“I would encourage anyone who might find themselves in a similar position, concerned about a friend and fearful they are being groomed, to always tell a trusted adult – a parent, teacher or police officer.”

He added: “I would also like to praise the victim and her family, for their bravery throughout the course of the investigation and court proceedings.

“I hope the victim, her family and her friend can take comfort knowing they have helped put a predatory paedophile in prison.

“I encourage anyone out there who may think their friend or loved one is in a similar position to please report it.

“Every report will be taken seriously, treated with the utmost compassion and you will be fully supported.”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse, recent or historic, is asked to contact police on 101 or report via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website.

To contact the 24/7 Crisis Helpline contact 0333-344-8283 or find out more about our Sexual Assault Referral Centre by searching REACH SARC online.

Victims can also contact Victims First Northumbria on 0800-011-3116 who will give independent advice and support.