A YOUTH worker has been jailed for three years and four months after "grooming" a 13-year-old boy for sex.

Phillip Poke, 23, of St Richards Gardens, Droitwich, built up a relationship with the boy between June 2012 and January 2013.

He was investigated by West Mercia Police after he was found to be talking in a sexually explicit way to the victim online and meeting him in person where they engaged in sexual acts.

He was sentenced at Worcester Crown Court yesterday (June 25).

DC Sarah Wood, who investigated the case, said: "We will continue to take crimes of this nature very seriously and believe the sentencing sends a very clear message that the courts take it very seriously too.

"This offender was in a position of trust, and abused that position to build up an inappropriate relationship with a teenager. We will continue to do all we can to protect children and young people who are at risk."