A Salford man has been sentenced to 10 years 6 months for abusing and communicating with children via the comprehensive, global child sex network he set devised

Benjamin Lancaster (02/06/1990) of Charles Street in Swinton, Salford, was yesterday jailed for over a decade for rape, possession of indecent images and arranging / facilitating travel for sexual purposes in relation to two victims, who were both under 16 at the time of the offences.

He will also be on the sex offenders' register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

Benjamin Lancaster

With the self-proclaimed moniker "Daddy Dominant Little Girls" - DDLG - the court heard how Lancaster claimed to be in a polyamorous relationship at the time of the offences.

He would scour the internet for females to be part of the relationship. He would then give them a list of rules that they would need to abide by, including times to go to bed, what they could wear, who they could go out with and which sexual acts they would partake in.

Acting as the dominant and the children as subservient, Lancaster would target children who were extremely vulnerable and promise them a better life - whilst making them call him "Daddy."

Lancaster's sickening activities were discovered when a carer of one of the children checked her online usage and uncovered indecent images and videos between the two.

She raised the alarm and Lancaster was arrested at his home address in October 2021. On analysis of his phone and devices, it was discovered that he was communicating inappropriately with children all over the world.

DC Emma Puckering of the Salford Connect Team said: "We are pleased with yesterday's result. Lancaster is going to be behind bars, and away from children, for many years to come.

"We would like to commend the strength and bravery of the victims and their support systems, who have supported the prosecution to conclusion.

"We know that the sentencing will never erase what they experienced at the hands of Lancaster, but we hope that it signifies the beginning of the rest of their lives, allowing them to start to heal and come to terms with what's happened.

"Lancaster's network was comprehensive and as such, we are asking for anyone who may have been exploited by him to come forwards and speak to us on 0161 856 5424."

If you are concerned about a child’s welfare you can contact Greater Manchester Police via gmp.police.uk or by dialling 101. You can also share information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111

Could you spot a child who is at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) or Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)?

Spot the signs of child exploitation: Going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late; skipping school or being disruptive in class; appearing with unexplained gifts or possessions that can’t be accounted for; experiencing health problems that may indicate a sexually transmitted infection; having mood swings and changes in temperament; using drugs and/or alcohol; displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour, such as over-familiarity with strangers, dressing in a sexualised manner or sending sexualised images by mobile phone ("sexting"); increasing their screen time or showing unusual use of online platforms, such as websites, social media, apps or games; they may also show signs of unexplained physical harm, such as bruising and cigarette burns.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.