A predatory 'pimp', Christopher Oates, has pleaded guilty to encouraging two teenage girls into 'sex work' through 'drugs, coercion and violence'.

Oates, 44, from Stockport, initially faced seven charges, including sexual activity with a child and inciting child prostitution. However, after three days of trial at Manchester Crown Court, on March 6, he changed his plea to guilty. The charges now include causing or inciting child prostitution and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence against one victim, while also inciting prostitution for gain concerning a second victim.

During the trial, prosecutor Gwen Henshaw described Oates as a 'predatory man' who exploited two vulnerable girls using manipulation and drugs. The first victim, who was homeless and later in care, mistook him for her 'boyfriend', while the second was underage, working in bars.

Ms Henshaw explained, "Christopher Oates identified their vulnerability and took the opportunity to use them for his own purposes." He introduced them to Manchester’s red-light district and encouraged them to engage in prostitution.

One victim believed she was in a loving relationship with Oates. She trusted him completely, even when warned by others about his intentions. Oates convinced her that she could 'earn good money selling herself on the streets', taking her earnings once she returned home.

The second victim recounted her experience of being coerced into meeting men for sex when she was a teenager, also under the influence of drugs provided by Oates. Ms Henshaw stated, “In short, he was their 'pimp', keen to maintain his profitable control over the young girls.”

As the trial progressed, it emerged that when Oates’s charm failed, he resorted to violence, even holding a gun to one victim's head.

The two women shared their stories only with a few individuals until Greater Manchester Police initiated Operation Green Jacket in 2019 to probe child exploitation cases. The investigation was spurred by a Facebook post that led one of the victims to come forward.

One victim, recalling her first encounter with Oates, described his tall and attractive appearance, along with his manipulative behavior, claiming he told her she was 'beautiful' and 'would make a killing' working the streets.

In a video interview, she stated that she believed he was her 'boyfriend', and he would note down car registration plates of clients to make her feel safe while collecting her money afterward.

After his guilty plea, Oates, who currently has no fixed address, faces sentencing on May 9. He has been remanded into custody.