A man in his late twenties has received a thirty-eight month prison sentence after confessing to having sexual intercourse with a thirteen-year-old girl he initially met on social media.

The court was informed that the man contacted the child online in early 2022, leading to an exchange of messages between them. During their discussions, the girl revealed her age as thirteen.

The man claimed to be twenty-five but continued to pursue her regardless. With the awareness of her age, he arranged to meet the child in a secluded area close to her residence.

In April 2022, he engaged in sexual intercourse with her at that location. He committed another offense in July of the same year.

The abuse was uncovered in November 2022 when a report was filed with the police, prompting an investigation that ultimately resulted in his court appearance.

His trial commenced in January of this year, but the proceedings were abruptly halted just two days in when the defendant altered his plea to guilty after his attempt to have his confession deemed inadmissible was unsuccessful.

On Wednesday, the court imposed a sentence of thirty-eight months in prison.