Alysia Smedley, of Warsop, Nottinghamshire, admitted engaging in sexual activity with three girls, who were all under the age of 16

A 22-year-old woman believed to be one of the youngest female paedophiles in Britain has been jailed for a string of sex offences against young girls.

Alysia Smedley, of Warsop, Nottinghamshire, admitted engaging in sexual activity with three girls, who were all under the age of 16.

A court heard she was already a registered sex offender after receiving a suspended sentence in October 2016 for sexual activity with a child.

Smedley, then 20, was made subject of a sexual harm prevention order which she then breached on several occasions by making contact with young girls.

On one occasion she had arranged to take one of her victims to spend the night in a wood but she changed those plans when it started raining.

She instead took the girl to her friend's house and kept her away from her family home for 24 hours while her worried mother reported her missing.

During the night Smedley kissed her victim and touched her naked breast beneath her clothing as they camped out on the friend's floor.

Smedley admitted 12 offences at Nottingham Crown Court (file picture) and was sentenced

Smedley pleaded guilty to 12 offences, including one count of sexual assault and four of sexual activity with a child at Nottingham Crown Court.

She also admitted one count of child abduction as well as breaching the terms of her court order on seven occasions by being in contact with five girls.

Smedley was jailed for three years and given a five year restraining order banning her from contacting three of the victims on Tuesday.

She appeared in court alongside her former partner Katie Hicken, 22, who admitted to one charge of sexual activity with a child.

Hicken, also of Warsop, was handed a conditional discharge for the offence which involved her kissing a young girl and giving her 'love bites'.

'Smedley is a dangerous individual that has preyed on young girls and this has had a significant impact on their lives Detective Constable Louisa McGregor

Detective Constable Louisa McGregor, of Nottinghamshire Police, said afterwards: 'Smedley is a dangerous individual that has preyed on young girls and this has had a significant impact on their lives.

'We'd like to thank the victims and their families for their commitment in this case and for putting their trust in us. It has been a lengthy investigation and we are pleased they can now put this behind them.'

An NSPCC spokesman told MailOnline: 'The abuse inflicted by predators like Smedley can cause immense pain and suffering that takes years for victims to overcome.

'We would urge anyone concerned about a child to contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 as it could save them from serious harm.'