Man jailed over multiple child sexual offences

A man who travelled to the UK with the intention of meeting an underage girl has been jailed for 12 years for multiple child sexual offences.

Benjamin Solowan, 40, pleaded guilty to 12 charges after he was arrested in Sark on 16 December 2024.

The charges included the intended sexual activity rape of a child under 13 and the indented sexual activity rape and sexual touching of a child under 13.

Police said they found a "significant number" of indecent images of children on devices seized at his property and evidence he had tried to meet another child in the UK.

In October 2024, Solowan travelled to the UK intending to meet a person he believed to be a 12-year-old girl, but no meeting took place, said police.

Police said Solowan also engaged in online chats with an individual claiming to be a 14-year-old girl, but investigations later confirmed this was an adult male who was living in Belgium.

Solowan had booked flights to Manchester in November 2024, believing he would meet the child, police said.

During these conversations, he also discussed plans to meet other girls, resulting in four further charges, officers said.

Guernsey Police said it would "relentlessly pursue" those who try to exploit young people.

"Our priority is keeping our community safe, and by taking swift action we have prevented potential harm to vulnerable individuals," said the force.

"The charges brought towards this individual reflect the seriousness of the offences."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].