A Rochester man who groomed a child he met on an online Playstation game and went on to repeatedly rape her has been sentenced.

Martin Sage, 44, was found guilty at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, of raping a female under 16.

At a previous hearing Sage pleaded guilty to 13 other child sex exploitation offences against the same victim.

He has now been sentenced to 12 years in prison and placed on a Sexual Harm Prevention Order indefinitely.

Greater Manchester Police says Sage made contact with the victim via an online PlayStation game in 2011, when the victim was aged 13.

He continued to communicate with her and by deploying tactics of affection, persistence and control groomed her until she eventually agreed to meet him.

"He dominated her life for over two years during a campaign of controlled abuse with a significant degree of planning. He did not allow her to a normal teenager" - DC Rochelle Evans

During the meeting he raped the victim despite knowing her age, and continued to exploit and manipulate her to satisfy his own sexual needs and desires until she was 15 years old.

Detective Constable Rochelle Evans said: "I would like to pay tribute to the victim for having the bravery to report this matter to the police and give evidence at the trial.

"I hope this result has repaid her confidence placed in the authorities and provides her with some justice when coming to terms with these horrible crimes.

"Martin Sage knew full well how old the victim was and that what he was doing was wrong. It was heard in court that he dominated her life for over two years during a campaign of controlled abuse with a significant degree of planning. He did not allow her to a normal teenager.

"Through the control he had over her, he stopped her socialising with friends and family to the point where she became reclusive.

"The abuse has had a massive impact on her life at a time when she was at a vulnerable age and still developing as a person, and some of the effects will be long-lasting. In her words he has ruined her life.

"He has never taken any responsibility for his actions and has shown no remorse for his crimes.

"Child sexual exploitation takes place in many forms. In this case the victim was targeted and identified through online gaming whilst in the safety of her own home. It is worthwhile for parents to take interest of the contact young people have with others on the internet."

Police advice visiting the It's Not Okay website for information for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals on how to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation and what to do about it.