Elijah Palmer, 18, has been sentenced to four years and nine months in prison for encouraging a young victim to self-harm and produce sexually explicit images. Palmer pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making and possessing indecent images, perverting the course of justice, causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent, and encouraging serious self-harm.
Link to the '764' Group
Palmer was associated with the '764' group, a sextortion and sadomasochistic online network that targets vulnerable individuals. Members seek out victims in online spaces where children discuss issues like depression, eating disorders, or self-harm. They initially approach victims as friends to build trust, then exploit and control them, sharing explicit content within the group for notoriety.
How Palmer Targeted His Victim
Palmer first contacted his victim on Roblox before moving their conversations to Discord. Starting with seemingly minor requests, he escalated his demands over time, eventually requiring nude images and evidence of self-harm. He used blackmail, threats against the victim and her family, and even fabricated a fake bomb threat to a local school in her name to maintain control.
Investigation and Arrest
The victim reported Palmer to South Yorkshire Police, leading to an investigation that uncovered his links to the '764' group. Palmer was arrested on June 30, 2025, and bailed with conditions not to contact the victim. However, he breached bail by contacting her to retract her statement, resulting in additional charges of perverting the course of justice. Initially denying involvement, Palmer later pleaded guilty after police and prosecutors built a strong case.
Prosecution and Sentencing
Senior Crown Prosecutor Caroline Deacon stated: “This was a deeply disturbing case involving the calculated targeting of a vulnerable victim. The Online Safety Act introduced new offences to prosecute those who encourage self-harm online, and this case demonstrates its necessity.” Detective Chief Inspector Scott Harrison added: “Offenders may think they can hide behind usernames, but we will find them. Victims are never to blame and will be supported.”
Palmer was sentenced to four years and nine months in custody, with an additional four years on extended licence.
