A former South Wales police officer who coerced more than 200 girls as young as 10 into sending explicit images via Snapchat has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 12 years. Lewis Edwards, 24, admitted 160 offences, but refused to provide passwords to his devices and did not appear in court for sentencing.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Edwards posed as a teenage boy using pseudonyms and manipulated victims into sending indecent images, which he secretly recorded. He then threatened to share the material with family and friends unless they sent more explicit content. Some victims expressed suicidal thoughts, but he continued his abuse.
Judge Lloyd-Clarke described Edwards as a dangerous and sadistic offender who caused 'immense harm' to victims and their families. She noted that his status as a serving police officer was an aggravating factor, damaging public trust in the force.
Detectives are still searching for hundreds more potential victims across England and Wales, and are also hunting a darknet distributor known as 'Snap God' to whom Edwards sent images using bitcoin. Edwards carried out some abuse while on duty, and visited one vulnerable girl during police work.
South Wales police said Edwards passed vetting with no red flags, and his crimes have 'blemished' community relations. The force acted swiftly to arrest and suspend him once identified.
