A paedophile who groomed teenage girls into prostitution has pleaded guilty following a four-day trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Christopher Oates (44) from Stockport carried out "a campaign of grooming and sexual abuse" in the 2000s.

Nicknamed 'Nails' for his long fingernails, Oates coerced a 14-year-old girl into believing he was her boyfriend. He would subject her to sex work and sell her to other men. 

He also threatened a teenage girl with an imitation firearm down a Manchester alleyway.

Greater Manchester Police started an investigation into Oates when one of the victims and her friend went to the police in 2020 and bravely shared their experience of abuse.

Although Oates initially denied the charges of grooming, the weight of evidence against him meant his crimes eventually caught up.

He is the first paedophile to be convicted as part of Operation Green Jacket - Greater Manchester Police's ongoing investigation into non-recent sex offences.

He pleaded guilty to:

• One count of intentionally causing a 14-year-old girl to be sexually exploited and groomed into prostitution;
• One count of intentionally causing a 17-year-old girl to be sexually exploited and groomed into prostitution;
• One count of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Detective Inspector Eleanor Humphreys, senior investigating officer for this case, said: "I am so pleased for both women that they have today finally got some justice all these years after this horrific abuse.

"Christopher Oates is a depraved and manipulative paedophile. The abuse he subjected these two girls to was horrific. He was even prepared to try and deny this throughout a trial and make the victims relive it all over again. 

"Thankfully, due to the weight of evidence against him, his crimes have finally caught up with him two decades later. This is all thanks to the brave and compelling testimony from the victims, who now have been spared the experience of being cross-examined in court." 

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, our lead for public protection and vulnerability said: "Today is a significant day for GMP and its ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of non-recent child sexual abuse.

"Firstly, I commend the bravery of the victims and the meticulous dedication of the investigation team and support services. Together, long-awaited justice has been secured.

"Operation Green Jacket was set up in 2019 to tackle non-recent child exploitation in Manchester in the 2000s. This result is a clear signal we will investigate and we will bring offenders to justice.

"However, we are clear that this is far from over. This operation has a number of live investigations and, with more than 70 arrests, more days like this will follow.

"Time is no barrier to justice in GM. No matter how long ago the abuse, when you are ready we will listen to you."