An American man has been jailed after flying into Gatwick Airport to meet a 14-year-old girl he groomed online.
Fredis Mata, 25, was exposed after a routine check by Border Force officers.
Initially he claimed he had been visiting the UK to meet his 21-year-old girlfriend, before after further probing finally admitting she was in fact 14.
Mata was arrested on February 9.
A further search, revealed a large number of sex toys in his luggage.
Hertfordshire Police confirmed the victim as being 14-years-old and living nearby Mata’s hotel he booked in Welwyn Garden City.
He was charged with causing a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child and grooming. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment - six years in custody and four years on licence.
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