A teenage girl has been praised for bravely speaking out to put a “dangerous” child predator who groomed her behind bars.

Johnathon Marren, of Cecilia Road in Ramsgate, committed multiple online sex offences after contacting the youngster on social media.

He first started talking to the teenager online in December 2020 before beginning a weeks-long grooming campaign.

Marren, 26, spoke to the child sexually, sent explicit photos and even sent a list of “rules” to try to control the victim.

In January 2021, the victim, who is from Warwickshire, approached the police with the support of her family.

After telling police what had happened, detectives were able to build a case against Marren and arrested him.

When he was interviewed, Marren remained silent and only surrendered passwords to his electronic devices when he was warned it was an offence not to do so.

The 26-year-old was subsequently charged with attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to view images of sexual activity, possessing indecent photographs and attempting to meet a girl following grooming.

On Wednesday last week, Marren was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in a hearing at Warwick Crown Court.

Det Con Emma Smith, of Warwickshire Police, said: “Marren is a dangerous predator who sought out a young girl in the hopes of completely controlling her.

“So appalling was his attitude, he believed he could even send a list of ‘rules’ that his victim must follow.

“He was quite happy to bombard a child with thousands of appalling messages but he had nothing to say for himself when my colleague and I brought him in for interview.

“All of us at Warwickshire Police are so proud of the girl for her courage. Thanks to her bravery, and the support of her family, we have been able to gather enough evidence to see the court take Marren off the streets.

“I hope this can serve as a message to other young people who might find themselves in this situation. We will listen and we will help.”