A man from the Wirral, identified as Karl Davies, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing a schoolgirl, as well as coercing her into self-harm. Davies, a 42-year-old father-of-two, pleaded guilty to 17 charges related to his exploitation of a 13 to 14-year-old girl. Manchester Crown Court described his actions as having a severe and lasting impact on the victim, showing no remorse and demonstrating a disturbing sense of sexual entitlement.
The court learned that Davies initiated contact with the girl via Snapchat in June 2023, pressuring her to send explicit images and videos over the following year. Using multiple false identities to maintain communication, he then proceeded to pick her up from school and sexually assault her in his car on four occasions during the summer of 2024. Judge Hilary Manley imposed an extended sentence on Davies due to the depraved and sadistic nature of his crimes, including coercing the victim into self-harm and filming the acts.
Notably, Davies became the first individual convicted under Section 184 of the Online Safety Act 2023 for inciting serious self-harm in a minor. The judge condemned his behavior as despicable, emphasizing the manipulation and harm inflicted upon the vulnerable victim. Despite admitting to the offenses, Davies denied any sexual interest in children, even though he engaged in explicit acts with the girl and made inappropriate comments about her appearance.
The court heard that Davies used deceitful tactics to isolate and control the girl, employing various personas to intimidate and manipulate her into compliance. His actions escalated to the point of threatening her and coercing her into engaging in sexual activities, which were recorded and shared with him on social media platforms. Judge Manley criticized Davies for his calculated and callous behavior, highlighting the disregard for the victim’s well-being and safety.
As a result of his actions, Davies was given an extended sentence, which includes a five-year license period following his incarceration. The Crown prosecutor for CPS North West, Stacey Gosling, expressed shock at the sophisticated grooming methods employed by Davies, emphasizing the emotional and psychological harm inflicted on the young victim. Gosling hoped that the victim could find solace in knowing that her abuser had been held accountable for his heinous actions.