A MAN was jailed for 16 months after having sex with a girl despite knowing she was under the age of consent.

Nathan Hole, of Byron Avenue, Macclesfield, met the girl through social media and initially believed she was over 16, a court heard.

But despite realising that she was younger than 16, Hole had sex with her, a hearing was told.

Hole, 21, admitted engaging in sexual activity with a minor at a hearing at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday, January 7.

Caroline Harris, counsel for the prosecution, told the court that the pair had struck up a friendship on social media.

Ms Harris said: “The complainant told her mum she was staying with friends but stayed with Mr Hole.

“Her mother was unaware of the fact that the complainant was sexually active.

“When the complainant’s mum found out she asked her daughter if she would be upset by any of the texts on her phone.

“The complainant became upset and was crying, and admitted she had sex with Mr Hole and that she knew he was 21-years-old.

“Mr Hole was arrested.”

Julian Farley, defending Hole, told the court that his client regretted his actions.

He said: “He made a full admission to police and accepts that she was not 16.

“He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

“He has shown remorse.”

Judge Elgan Edwards, sentencing, ordered Hole to be put on the sex offender’s register for 10 years, and handed him an indefinite Sexual Offences Prevention Order.

He said: “This is a sad case.

“Your behaviour was innocent initially, you thought she was 16 but realised she was not.”