A 23-year-old London man has been sentenced to prison for using the social media platform Snapchat to groom and sexually exploit two young girls.
Predatory Grooming on Social Media
Tye Hunt, of Brockley Road, London, was living in Essex when he committed the offences in 2022 and 2023. He used Snapchat to contact the two victims, who were aged just 12 and 14 at the time.
Hunt attempted to arrange a meeting with the 12-year-old girl for sexual activity. He sent her explicit images and pressured her into sending similar content back to him. With the 14-year-old victim, he lied about his age, claiming to be 16, before also sending explicit pictures and proposing to pay for a hotel room for them to meet.
Investigation and Court Sentencing
The victims bravely reported the incidents to their local police forces. An investigation was launched, with evidence compiled and shared with Essex Police after it was established Hunt was living in the Harwich area during the offences.
Hunt was arrested and later pleaded guilty to one charge of attempting to arrange the commission of a child sex offence and two counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child.
On Tuesday, 25 November, he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court for sentencing. The judge jailed Hunt for two years and ten months.
Lasting Impact and Protective Orders
The court heard powerful victim impact statements detailing the profound and ongoing trauma caused by Hunt's actions. One girl said the damage "continues to affect every aspect of my life", forcing her to stop attending school and socialising.
Her school teachers described in a statement how she had been burdened with "anxiety, shame, doubt, fear... and has been emotionally damaged beyond our understanding". They praised her bravery and her desire to eventually use her experience to help others.
In addition to his prison sentence, Hunt was made subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will monitor his behaviour and use of electronic devices. Restraining orders were also imposed, banning him from any contact with either victim.
Investigating officer, DC Claire March of Clacton CID, commended the victims for their "maturity and patience" throughout the investigation. She emphasised the predatory nature of Hunt's crimes, stating: "His use of social media to identify victims was a troubling feature of this case."
DC March also highlighted the support available, saying: "If you’re not ready to speak to us, there are a number of other independent organisations you can speak to for support and advice." The successful prosecution was the result of close partnership working between police forces to track Hunt down and ensure he faced justice.
