Cruz Buckley, a 21-year-old from Bridport, Dorset, has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison after forcing a 14-year-old girl to perform indecent acts on video calls and then sending screenshots to her family. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges including sexual communication with a child, blackmail, and making indecent images.
How Buckley Groomed His Victim
In November 2024, Buckley contacted the girl on Snapchat, pretending to be a 17-year-old boy named Joshua. He sent her a picture of a boy and claimed it was him, building a false relationship. Over time, he sent her obscene videos of himself and made threats that led her to perform indecent acts on their video calls. Without her permission, he took screenshots of these acts and later shared them with her family.
Detective Inspector Andy Brix from Dorset Police's Paedophile Online Investigation Team stated: "Buckley formed a relationship with someone he knew was underage and exploited her to obtain indecent images and videos. This type of behaviour is absolutely appalling and has had a significant impact on the victim."
Arrest and Conviction
Police were alerted to the abuse, and the account Buckley used was traced to a property in Bridport. He was arrested in March 2025, and his mobile phone was seized. Forensic examination revealed indecent images and videos of the girl. Buckley later pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child; sharing a photograph or film of a person in an intimate state intending to cause alarm, distress or humiliation; making indecent images of a child; blackmail; and causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity.
At Bournemouth Crown Court on July 3, 2026, he was sentenced to three years and three months in prison. Additionally, he was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 14 years, severely restricting his access to children and online communication.
Police Praise Victim's Bravery
Detective Inspector Brix praised the girl for her "immense bravery and courage" throughout the investigation and court process. He added: "Now Buckley is behind bars unable to prey upon other vulnerable victims." He also reminded parents of the dangers of online child abuse, urging them to speak to their children and ensure they know they can approach trusted adults for advice and support.
Dorset Police continue to investigate online child exploitation and encourage anyone with concerns to report them.
