A "DEPRAVED" sex offender has been jailed for 14 years for offences against seven teenage girls.

Harry Bowman, 20 of Whitlow Avenue, Golborne, was sentenced for his crimes at Bolton Crown Court, sitting at the University of Bolton Stadium, on Friday September 24, having pleaded guilty at a trial earlier this year.

His crimes were committed over a period of four years, with some of his victim's having helped bring Bowman to justice by coming forward and giving evidence.

Detective Constable Colin Langstroth, of GMP's Wigan District, said: "I would like to commend the victims for showing such bravery in coming forward.

"Bowman is a depraved young man and the victims' evidence allowed us to compile convincing case against him.

Bowman faced 36 charges relating to incidents between October 2016 and July 2019 when the victims were all underage girls.

He pleaded guilty to 25 charges and was then found not guilty of 11 charges after a trial earlier this year.

Bowman first came to the attention of police in March 2017 when a teenage girl told her school that he had sexually assaulted her.

In August the same year, a second teenage female victim received a naked photo of a third teenager via WhatsApp from Bowman.

In December 2017, a third victim came forward to say Bowman had pressured her into have sex and she believed she was pregnant.

In May 2018, a fourth teenage girl told police Bowman had raped her on a number of occasions in his bedroom at his house.

Other victims claimed they were made to perform sex acts via FaceTime while Bowman also performed a sex act.

DC Langstroth said: "It is only right that he remains behind bars."

Officers have advised that 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.

They can be contacted by calling 0161 273 4500 or by emailing help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk.

Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma-informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation and can be contacted by calling 0161 236 2182.