Online sexual predator jailed for 30 years

A prolific online sexual predator has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts of grooming and sexual exploitation. The defendant, who operated under several aliases on social media platforms, targeted vulnerable teenagers over a period of five years. During the trial, the court heard how the man used sophisticated manipulation tactics to gain the trust of his victims before coercing them into sending explicit images and videos. Judge Sarah Thompson described the defendant's actions as "calculated and predatory," noting the long-term psychological impact on the victims. The investigation, led by the National Crime Agency, involved tracking the defendant's digital footprint across multiple international jurisdictions. Detective Inspector Mark Evans said: "This sentence reflects the severity of the crimes committed and the harm caused to these young people. We hope this provides some measure of justice for the victims who showed immense bravery in coming forward." The defendant will serve a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole and will be subject to strict monitoring upon his release.