A man from the Wirral, Karl Davies, has been sentenced to 20 years in jail for grooming and repeatedly sexually abusing a schoolgirl, as well as encouraging her to self-harm. The 42-year-old father-of-two admitted to and was found guilty of 17 offenses involving a 13 to 14-year-old girl. Manchester Crown Court described his actions as lacking empathy and mercy, causing severe harm to the victim due to his monstrous sexual entitlement.
Davies initiated contact with the girl on Snapchat in June 2023, coercing her to send indecent images and videos over the following year. Using multiple aliases to maintain communication, he then assaulted her in his car during four encounters in the summer of 2024. Judge Hilary Manley imposed an extended sentence on Davies for his sadistic behavior, which included pressuring the victim to self-harm and providing tools for it.
This case marks the first conviction under Section 184 of the Online Safety Act 2023 for encouraging serious self-harm to a minor. The judge condemned Davies’ actions, emphasizing the abhorrent nature of exploiting a vulnerable young girl for personal gratification. Despite denying any sexual interest in children, Davies’ manipulation and abuse tactics were exposed through evidence of his interactions with the victim.
Davies used deceitful tactics, threats, and coercion to satisfy his deviant desires, displaying a complete disregard for the well-being of his victim. The court found him guilty of orchestrating a campaign of sexual abuse and exploitation through elaborate planning and manipulation. As a result, Davies was sentenced to an extended term with a five-year post-release supervision period.
Stacey Gosling, senior Crown prosecutor for CPS North West, highlighted the sophisticated and manipulative nature of Davies’ grooming tactics, which included multiple fake identities on social media. She emphasized the lasting impact of Davies’ cruel actions on the victim and expressed hope that his imprisonment would provide some closure and justice for the young girl.