A 40-YEAR-old man who invited young teenagers into his home to take drugs before touching one of the girls inappropriately has been jailed.

Michael Haw, of Blandford Road North in Beacon Hill, Poole, provided the youngsters with a "perceived sanctuary", a court heard.

However, he was arrested after touching one of the teenagers on the bottom through her clothes.

After he was released on police bail, Haw sent a Snapchat message to two of the witnesses that made them feel "frightened", it was said.

The defendant was convicted of sexual activity with a child and two counts of witness intimidation following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

He was found not guilty of a number of other sexual offences also involving teenagers.

Haw returned to the court to be sentenced on Friday, March 11.

Richard Tutt, mitigating, said drugs were not given to the teenagers so that a sexual offence could be committed.

Judge Brian Forster QC agreed that the drugs formed the "background" of the case, rather than being offered by the defendant deliberately in order to touch the girl.

The judge told Haw: "You encouraged young people to go to your home and you encouraged them by making drugs available for their use.

"A number of young people went to your home and were able to take drugs. You took advantage of their presence by making inappropriate sexual comments."

While on bail, Haw sent a Snapchat of a photograph of himself with the caption, 'Mmmm. What to do. LOL' to two witnesses.

He had denied that the message was threatening.

However, Judge Forster said: "The purpose of sending the image was to frighten the victims.

"I have to keep in mind their young age."

Haw was sentenced to a total of 14 months in prison for the offences.

He will also have to register as a sex offender with a notification requirement for seven years.

Detective Inspector Andy Bell, of Dorset Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Team, said: “I would like to praise the bravery and courage of the victims in this case for coming forward to report these appalling crimes and supporting the prosecution.

“We are pro-actively targeting offenders of child sexual exploitation and this case highlights that we will relentlessly pursue suspected offenders and bring them to justice.

“CSE is a force priority and Dorset Police works closely with partner agencies, including children social care and schools, to ensure children are safeguarded and protected from sexual abuse and exploitation.

“I would encourage any victims of abuse or exploitation to come forward and talk to us on 101.”