A man from the Wirral, identified as Karl Davies, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing a schoolgirl, aged between 13 and 14, over a period of time. Manchester Crown Court described Davies as showing no remorse for the significant harm he caused the victim through his actions, emphasizing his disturbing sense of sexual entitlement.
The court heard that Davies initiated contact with the girl on Snapchat in June 2023, coercing her into sending him inappropriate images and videos over the following year. Using multiple fake identities to communicate with her, he then proceeded to pick her up from school during daylight hours to commit sexual offenses in his car on four occasions in the summer of 2024.
Upon sentencing, Judge Hilary Manley imposed an extended term on Davies due to the depraved nature of his crimes. In addition to the sexual abuse, Davies also manipulated the victim into self-harm activities and provided her with tools to carry them out. This made him the first individual to be convicted under Section 184 of the Online Safety Act 2023 for encouraging serious self-harm to a minor.
The court highlighted Davies’ predatory behavior, noting that despite his admission of guilt, he denied any sexual interest in children. However, evidence presented showed his calculated approach to grooming and manipulating the victim for his own gratification. The prosecution detailed how Davies used various online personas to control and intimidate the victim, even involving threats and coercion to ensure compliance.
Judge Manley condemned Davies for his methodical exploitation of the victim, emphasizing his meticulous planning and callous disregard for her well-being. The court ruled that Davies met the criteria for an extended sentence, meaning he will be under supervision for an additional five years following his imprisonment. Prosecutors expressed shock at the sophisticated tactics employed by Davies in targeting the young girl, highlighting the emotional and psychological impact of his actions on the victim.
As Davies begins his prison term, the hope is that the victim can start the process of healing and recovery, knowing that justice has been served against her abuser.