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Online Predators Jailed for Scarring Teens for Life
10 Dec
Summary
- Two men jailed for coercing teens into self-harm and sharing images.
- Victims were encouraged to carve names into themselves.
- Case marks first jury trial conviction under Online Safety Act.
Charlie Johnson, 24, and Prince Singh, 23, have been sentenced to prison for exploiting vulnerable teenage girls. The pair coerced their victims into sharing nude images and engaging in severe self-harm, aiming to leave them 'scarred for life' before mocking them online. The court heard how the men 'weaponised' the victims' youth, making them feel responsible for the abuse they endured.
Johnson received a four-year sentence, while Singh was sentenced to two years and nine months. Johnson was also convicted of physically assaulting the women when they met in person. The judge characterized their actions as a 'game' targeting vulnerable individuals, highlighting a 'deeply disturbing exchange' that revealed their malicious intent. Evidence found on their devices indicated interest in other potential victims.
This case is notable as it marks the first jury trial conviction under the Online Safety Act of 2023 for assisting or encouraging serious self-harm. Prosecutors emphasized the devastating acts of violence and coercion, stressing that illegal sharing of indecent images and encouraging self-harm carry severe legal consequences. Both men will serve half their sentences and are subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
