A MAN from Wigan who injected a teenage boy with steroids and repeatedly sexually assaulted him has been jailed for 10 years.

John Andrew Carter, of Bolton Road, Aspull was convicted of committing a string of sexual offences against the 13-year-old over a two-and-a-half-year period.

A jury at Manchester Crown Court heard how the 39-year-old had groomed his victim for at least two years.

The jury heard how the boy’s mother became suspicious about her son’s relationship with Carter and contacted the police.

Detective Constable Philip Kelley, from GMP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Team in Wigan, said: “The court has jailed a sinister predator who had preyed on his young victim.

“Carter’s grooming began after he befriended the boy in a gym. He began to buy him gifts and gave him money. Soon he was injecting him with steroids and the sexual abuse began.

“Fortunately the teenager’s family noticed he was becoming more aggressive, leading them to think he was taking steroids and making them question his relationship with Carter.”

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Once the victim knew the police had become involved, he told his mum what had been going on and Carter was arrested.

At Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, Carter was found guilty of six counts of sexual activity with a child.

He was jailed for 10 years and made to sign the sex offender’s register indefinitely.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Carter’s calculated grooming and horrific sexual assaults over more than two years have left this young boy with emotional, physical and mental scars which, without help, could last a lifetime.

“Hopefully the boy can find some solace knowing that Carter has been jailed for these repulsive crimes, and we would encourage anyone who has been affected by sexual abuse or grooming to speak out and seek support.”

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

Adults concerned about the wellbeing of children can also phone the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 8005000.