A man has been jailed after meeting with a 15-year-old girl in Chester.

Assef Naseri, of no fixed abode, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 4 December where he was sentenced to three years.

The 30-year-old had earlier pleaded guilty to child abduction and engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15.

An investigation established that Naseri, who lived in Croydon, had been speaking with the victim online and had arranged to meet with her in Chester, despite knowing her age.

In March 2025, the 15-year-old victim was in Chester city centre when CCTV captured Naseri meeting her before the pair travelled to Chester Bus Station where they boarded a coach to London. CCTV obtained from the coach showed Naseri kissing the victim.

Following enquiries, the victim was located by police in Croydon in the company of Naseri four days later. He was arrested for child abduction and was found wearing the same clothing as captured in the CCTV images in Chester.

On top of his custodial sentence, Naseri is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and must sign the Sex Offender Register for 10 years.

Detective Constable, Laura Lee, said: "Naseri was well aware of the age of the victim but despite this, took the time to make a calculated plan to meet her in Chester, travelling all the way to Cheshire to do so.

"Once there he took her back to his home on the other end of the country.

"I hope the sentence handed down to him reassures the public that we are committed to protecting vulnerable people and children from those who would exploit them."