A WELL-known amateur golfer used ‘charm and sophistication’ to groom a young boy for sex.

Roger Altham was regarded as a talented player with a low handicap who had been a member of Whalley, Mitton Fold, Clitheroe and Longridge golf clubs.

But now his reputation is in tatters after he admitted to sexually exploiting a 16-year-old using what police desribed as ‘classic street grooming techniques’.

Officers said Altham, 56, of Chatburn Park Drive, Clitheroe, befriended the boy, described by police as ‘extremely vulnerable’, in a Blackburn town centre pub.

He first bought the youngster beer and gifts, police said.

The victim would be given around £30 for sexual services at Altham’s semi-detached home, before being dropped off in Blackburn with more alcohol as a ‘gift’ from Altham, police said.

Altham was arrested last year when staff at a children's home where his victim had been staying became concerned.

Staff contacted the police’s Engage team, which investigates sexual exploitation of youngsters, after they noticed a change in the boy’s behaviour.

Police said he had been increasingly going missing and was returning with unexplained money and gifts.

Detective Sergeant Mark Whelan said the case was a clear example of child sexual exploitation of an extremely vulnerable victim, rather than male prostitution.

He said: “Offenders such as Altham find a victim’s vulnerability and play on it.

“He is a character hanging round town centre pubs where he mixes freely with youngsters. He befriended one, buying him gifts and offering money in exchange for sexual activity, then taking him home in his car.

“He is sophisticated and charmed this lad.”

At Preston Crown Court yesterday, Altham admitted that between March 1 and May 15 2010 at Clitheroe he intentionally obtained for himself the sexual services of a boy aged 16, who he did not reasonably believe was aged over 18, having previously promised to make payment to him for those services.

And on May 14, 2010, he intentionally arranged or facilitated the prostitution of a child aged 16 who he did not reasonable believe was aged 18 or over.

Lancashire Police and Engage officers looked into whether Altham was part of a wider group of men visiting Blackburn town centre to pick up young boys for sex.

However, following a ‘very thorough investigation’ officers, ruled this out.

DS Whelan praised the partnership work which led to staff at the children’s home recognising signs of sexual exploitation and taking action.

He added: “This was an unusual case and is not something we see very often. We are very pleased that he has pleaded guilty and it shows this type of offence will be rigorously investigated by Lancashire Police and the Engage team to protect the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Altham, who is retired and single with no children will be sentenced on May 23.

He has been released on conditional bail.

Altham told police he worked for Avon Cosmetics.

He was last a member of Whalley Golf Club, but was asked to leave after he was charged by police.

Whalley chairman Dave Flanagan said Altham ‘resigned his membership’ earlier this year.

He said: “The club want to disassociate ourselves from him and put the matter behind us.”

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