Face of sexual predator trapped by his DNA

This is the face of paedophile Christopher Coates who was trapped by DNA after getting an underage girl pregnant.

The 27-year-old predator had previously denied abusing his victim when he pleaded not guilty to child sex charges when he appeared at court.

However, scientific testing after the schoolgirl went through a termination proved beyond doubt he was the father.

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He later pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual activity with a child and meeting a child following sexual grooming and was jailed for six years.

Newcastle Crown Court heard he had targeted his victim, who was a virgin before they met, online.

Coates of Newcastle Road, South Shields, must also sign the sex offenders register and abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order for life.

The case has again highlighted the dangers of the internet for children.

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Detective Inspector Angela Hufton, head of the Cyber Crime Unit at Northumbria Police, said: “As parents, it is impossible to know what your children are doing all of the time, particularly when it comes to online activities.

“In the same way you would warn your children about the risks of riding a bike or crossing a road, it is important to educate your children on how to stay safe at all times when online.”