Alan Starling. Pic: Metropolitan Police

A Croydon man has been jailed for nine-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to twelve counts of child sexual abuse at Croydon Crown Court, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The Court heard that Alan Starling, 47, a resident of Chaldon Way of Croydon, befriended the parents of the victim, a 13-year-old boy.

Over “a long period”, he groomed their son for sexual activity, with the abuse being discovered via text messages found on a spare family phone which implied that sexual acts had occurred. The police were made aware of the discovery on July 27 2018.

The victim confirmed that Starling had encouraged him to keep the details of the abuse a secret.

Starling was also placed on the sex offenders registry and will not be removed

Starling was arrested on July 27 2018 and refused to give comments in an interview. Instead, he opted to make a written statement denying the contentions. Starling was then arrested and charged with rape.

Detective Chief Constable Charlie Lourenco, investigating officer of South West Safeguarding Unit said: “The victim showed incredible courage and this conviction has ensured his voice was heard and action has been taken.

“The lengthy custodial sentence will serve to protect the public and help to give encouragement to victims of similar crimes to come forward.”

Starling was sentenced on Feb 13 but the police only released the information on March 2.