A 19-year-old man has been charged with encouraging another person to seriously self-harm and possessing indecent images following an investigation by Merseyside Police.
Arrest and Charges
Ryan Crook, of Bulford Road, Walton, was arrested on Tuesday, June 16, as part of inquiries by the force's Online Child Abuse Investigation Team. The investigation relates to online activity linked to Community Online Networks, known as 'Com groups', where members are alleged to discuss inflicting physical and psychological harm on victims.
Following his arrest, Crook was charged with four offences: encouraging or assisting serious self-harm by another person, possession of a class B controlled drug, possession of a prohibited image of a child, and possession of extreme pornography.
Court Appearance
Merseyside Police said the charges stem from an ongoing investigation into online communities where harmful content is allegedly shared and discussed. Crook was remanded in custody and appeared before Wirral Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 17.
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