Daniel Mansford – Barnstaple

A Barnstaple groomer has been jailed for 32 months for sexual offences against a child.

Ex-Royal Marine Daniel Mansford, 26, of Rumsam Gardens, admitted five offences of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged under 16.

The offences took place during a period of six months when the victim was 14 years old.

The court heard that Mansford had been aware of her age from the outset but continued to groom her, including on social media sites like Instagram and Snapchat.

The offences came to light when the victim bravely confided in a teacher.

Mansford was arrested by Devon & Cornwall Police and provided no comment during the interview.

Police obtained screenshots of messages from the victim’s phone which showed the sexualised content Mansford had sent her.

Mansford was sentenced on September 3 at Exeter Crown Court after previously changing his plea to guilty on the day of his trial. He was made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and a restraining order.

The victim read a statement in court in which she described the serious impact of Mansford’s crimes. She said she was naive and vulnerable and still has nightmares but is now a much stronger person.

Mansford, the court heard, now worked as a CNC engineer after leaving the Royal Marines five years ago.