Salvation Army charity worker jailed after he had sex with underage girl who sought refuge at his homeless shelter

A Salvation Army support worker who had sex with a teenager at his homeless shelter will spend at least six months behind bars.

Friday Fredrick Jeremiah, 35, was sentenced in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old minor who was in his care.

The therapeutic youth support worker, who emigrated from Nigeria in 2008, used the girl's 'vulnerability' to get close with her and have sexual intercourse with her.

The court heard how Jeremiah had asked the girl 'what she was into' sexually, which caused her to feel 'uncomfortable'.

The offending occurred when he took the victim away from the shelter to a nearby park, where he grabbed her head and kissed her.

He then led her to a tree and pulled down her pants before engaging in sexual activity, news.com.au reported. 

The court heard that Jeremiah left and returned to the shelter, but told the girl to wait 10 minutes before coming back to avoid raising any suspicion. 

The girl then messaged a friend to tell her what had happened.

The court heard that Jeremiah continued to message the victim for months after she left the shelter, and even sent her a picture of his genitalia. 

She later sent Jeremiah a message saying their relationship was inappropriate and made a complaint.  

Judge Andrew Scotting said Jeremiah was 'deceptive' and 'secretive' about their relationship.

The court heard that Jeremiah asked the girl to save his contact as 'Uncle Chad' and told her not to tell other workers about their friendship.

He also gave her 'life advice' and emotional support while she stayed at the centre.  

Judge Scotting noted the 'significant age gap' at play and called Jeremiah's conduct 'a serious breach of trust'.  

'The victim was a resident because she was vulnerable and the offender took advantage of that vulnerability to get close to her and have sexual intercourse with her,' he said.  

He said Jeremiah had a good work history and was an active volunteer, but said his good character was 'reduced to some extent'.

Jeremiah was sentenced to nine months jail with a non-parole period of six months. 

He will be eligible for parole on December 3. 

Daily Mail Australia contacted The Salvation Army for comment.