A drug dealer operating a social media-based drug network exploited a teenage girl by offering her drugs and money in exchange for sexual acts.
David Young, 55, of Greylees Avenue, Hull, admitted in court to paying for sexual services of a child, being concerned in the supply of class B drugs and possession with intent to supply class B drugs.
This category includes amphetamines, barbiturates and cannabis.
Young initially pleaded guilty to the drugs charges on August 19 last year but denied the sexual offences until this week which "prolonged the victim's distress" and "delayed justice".
David Young admitted in court to paying for sexual services of a child
HUMBERSIDE POLICE
Humberside Police began investigations in November 2021 after information was received about illegal drug activity linked to a social media account.
Officers found a man operating a drug-selling social media page was actively supplying drugs and had engaged in explicit communications with a 16-year-old girl.
Messages revealed meetings had been arranged with the teenager, initially for the sale of cannabis, but later offering drugs and money in exchange for sexual acts.
Further messages also included requests for nude images, and explicit photos were sent.
Young was arrested on January 24, 2022, on suspicion of paying for sexual services of a child and for being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.
Police carried out a search of a property on Alexandra Court, in Hull, which led to herbal cannabis, cannabis edibles, baking equipment, and pricing tools being seized.
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Messages revealed meetings had been arranged with the teenager, initially for the sale of cannabis (stock pic)
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Forensic analysis of Young's mobile phone revealed additional evidence of drug supply, including marketing messages, product menus, and pricing details.
The street value of the drugs seized was estimated at more than £6,000.
Detective Sergeant Stuart Fox from Humberside Police's Child Sexual Exploitation team, who led the investigation, said: "David Young operated a drug-selling social media account, using it not only to distribute illegal substances but also to coerce, manipulate, and exploit a vulnerable teenage girl.
"After initially pleading guilty to the drug related offences but denying anything related to paying for sexual services of a child, Young then made the victim wait exactly nine months before changing his mind and pleading guilty to paying for sexual services of a child at Hull Crown Court on Monday, May 19.
"This only prolonged the victim’s distress, delayed justice, and the lengthy legal process meant the victim had to endure months of uncertainty."
DS Fox commended the bravery and courage of the victim and their family for coming forward and said their determination, alongside the vigilance and commitment from partnering agencies, has been instrumental in ensuring justice could be pursued.
He added: "Thanks to comprehensive investigative work, we uncovered the extent of Young’s criminal activity. The evidence gathered presented a clear picture of his involvement, leading to today’s guilty plea.
"While this outcome cannot undo the harm caused, it marks an important step in ensuring that Young is held responsible for his actions, and he will now face the consequences of his crimes.
"We remain committed to holding offenders accountable and will continue to seek justice for those affected by crimes of this nature and I hope this case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals who use online platforms to facilitate criminal behaviour.
"We urge anyone with concerns or information about similar activity to report it.
"We take reports of sexual offences extremely seriously, and we will continue to pursue justice for those impacted by such predatory behaviour."
David Young was released on bail and is set to appear at Hull Crown Court on June 16 for sentencing.
